Denise C. Hocking

Denise C. Hocking, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD). She leads the Hocking Lab, focusing on extracellular matrix (ECM) biology, particularly fibronectin's role in wound repair and tissue regeneration. Her work integrates molecular biology, biophysics, and engineering to develop therapies for chronic wounds and fibrotic diseases. Key collaborations include projects with the Sarelius Lab (vascular biology) and Dalecki Lab (ultrasound applications).

Dr. Hocking holds a Ph.D. in Physiology from Albany Medical College (1992), with postdoctoral training in fibronectin deposition mechanisms. She has pioneered studies on fibronectin's matricryptic sites, revealing their critical roles in mechanotransduction and vasodilation. Her lab also investigates therapeutic ultrasound for ECM remodeling and tissue engineering.

Recent research highlights include in vivo acoustic patterning of endothelial cells, SARS-CoV-2 receptor interactions with integrins, and chimeric fibronectin fragments accelerating wound healing. Awards include the EDI Medicines Discovery Award (2021) and UR Research Award (2019). She mentors graduate students and postdocs in projects spanning ECM dynamics, chronic disease pathogenesis, and translational technologies.

Her lab's innovations include patents on ultrasound-driven biomaterial fabrication and fibronectin mimetics. Ongoing work addresses fibronectin dysfunction in diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, aiming to translate discoveries into clinical solutions for tissue regeneration and vascular health.