Christie Sahley

Christie Sahley is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, serving as Associate Head for Undergraduate Education and Director of the Center for Faculty Success. She holds courtesy appointments in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies. Her professional roles include Special Advisor to the Provost for Gender Equity and former Associate Dean of the College of Science.

Education: Ph.D. in Neurobiology from University of Kentucky (1978), with postdoctoral training at Princeton University (1978–82) and Bell Labs (1981–82). Earlier degrees include a BA from Lake Erie College (1971), MS (1975), and PhD in Physiological Psychology (1978) from University of Kentucky.

Research focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms of learning and neural injury response. Her work extends to STEM equity, leadership development for women faculty, and institutional diversity initiatives. She co-leads the Stem Equity Achievement Change (SEA) Team and advises ADVANCE programs nationwide.

Recent publications address gender bias in student evaluations, leadership of STEM women of color, and inclusive postdoc training. Awards and honors are not explicitly listed, though leadership roles highlight her contributions to academic equity. She has spearheaded workshops on identity and belonging in STEM, and collaborates with the Big Ten Academic Alliance on diversity initiatives.

Professional activities include editorial roles at Purdue’s Working Papers series, external advisory boards for ADVANCE programs, and leadership in the Indianapolis Chapter of AWIS. She is actively involved in faculty development workshops and the Big Ten-Ivy League Traumatic Brain Injury Consortium.