I couldn’t help but fan girl while talking with the incredibly talented Dr. Staci Gruber, and we wrapped up our conversation with a delicious recipe for Eggplant Ricotta Pizza. This savory dish perfectly combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the earthy and slightly smoky flavor of roasted eggplant, all on a golden, crisp pizza crust. Check out the recipe below! 

For many people, a successful career in neuroscience at Harvard Medical School would be more than enough. However, for Dr. Staci Gruber, the journey to fulfillment goes beyond lab coats and clinical studies. With the release of her debut single and music video “No One Is Alone,” the Boston-based singer-songwriter is excited to open a new chapter—one that gracefully combines her lifelong love of music with a heartfelt mission to connect, comfort, and uplift others.

 

 

Gruber’s music and message brilliantly reflect her dynamic professional journey. As a trailblazer in cannabinoid research and a dedicated professor at Harvard, she has dedicated many years to studying the intriguing interactions between substances and the brain. Through her musical pursuits, she encourages listeners to embark on a collective exploration of the rich emotional tapestry of human experience.

Every day, I meet people who feel absolutely alone in their experiences. This song is a reminder that even in our most solitary moments, we can find solace in others.

“No One Is Alone” combines pop-rock instrumentation with soulful vocals, created alongside Michael Orland (American Idol) and producer Avli Avliav (Backstreet Boys, NSYNC). This vibrant track embodies Gruber’s songwriting: empathetic and deeply resonant. Although it’s her first official solo release, music has always been central to Gruber’s life. She began singing as a child, finding her voice onstage in an elementary school solo. She became the first student to switch from classical voice to jazz in Tufts University’s dual-degree program with the New England Conservatory. Her musical tastes are shaped by diverse artists, including Anne Murray, Barbra Streisand, Karen Carpenter, KD Lang, Billie Eilish, Pink, and John Coltrane. Her genre-blending style spans pop, rock, jazz, soul, and her coined “swamp pop”—which describes her country-meets-rock songwriting.

 

 

In our recent conversation, Gruber highlighted how her music and work in science both aim to connect with people and truly make them feel seen and valued. 

Whether it’s in psychiatry or on stage, people crave a sense of inclusion. If I can move someone—even for a moment—I’ve done something worthwhile.

Staci’s performances always radiate an incredible energy! She describes the vibe she wants to create in her shows as “inclusive.” What I really love is that her music doesn’t fit neatly into just one genre box—and that’s exactly what makes it so special! From heartfelt pop ballads to captivating story-driven country songs, she truly lets the emotional journey of each piece shine through. Gruber’s story is one of seamless integration—of intellect and emotion, science and soul. Her goal, whether through music or research, is to remind people they are not alone. We can expect more music from her in the coming months, with new singles exploring a wonderful range of styles—from swampy rock riffs to heartfelt pop ballads. Whatever direction she takes next, the message remains the same: empathy, inclusion, and connection are at the heart of everything she creates. We can’t wait to hear more from Dr. Staci Gruber and check out her latest release on all streaming platforms! 

Follow Dr. Staci Gruber on IG

 

When it comes to food outside the studio, Gruber pours her nurturing spirit into the kitchen. As a passionate cook, she prepares daily meals that harmonize her plant-based, dairy-light preferences with her partner’s fondness for meat. Her creations feature spicy quinoa salads with edamame and fennel, along with her unique tofu-based ricotta, which is used to make a signature white pizza topped with grilled eggplant, spinach, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. This dish brings back warm memories of enjoying similar pies with her mother. 

When it comes to dessert, she naturally leans towards light and refreshing flavors. As a longtime biscotti enthusiast, she also loves lemon ricotta paired with berry compote, and who can resist the occasional treat of oat milk ice cream? 

It’s about balance. Food, like music, should nourish—not just the body, but the spirit.

I decided to make the eggplant ricotta pizza for this feature, inspired by Gruber’s favorite nostalgic dish. To give it an extra kick, I sprinkled some crushed red pepper on top, just the way Staci likes her food. This dish offers readers a multisensory experience, as the eggplant ricotta pizza perfectly balances creamy and savory with just the right amount of spice—making it an ideal choice for vegetarians or anyone who enjoys bold, layered flavors, much like Staci Gruber herself. Be sure to check out the recipe below!  

 

 

Eggplant Ricotta Pizza 

Ingredients for Pizza Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients for Eggplant Ricotta Pizza

  • 1 pizza dough (for a 12-inch pizza)
  • 1 medium eggplant (≈¾ lb)
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained of excess liquid
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil separated (plus extra for brushing crust)
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons whole fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. First, make the dough for the pizza by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with your hands for 3 minutes, until the dough is smooth.
  4. Roll out the dough to your desired shape.
  5. Preheat the oven to 500ºF on broil.
  6. Slice the eggplant into ¼-inch thick rounds.
  7. Place the sliced eggplant in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle both sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then rub it in to coat—season with salt and pepper.
  8. Broil the eggplant for about 10 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.
  9. Set the oven to bake at 500ºF.
  10. Put a pizza stone in the oven for about 30 minutes.
  11. Remove the excess papery skin from the garlic head and slice off the tips of the cloves. Place the cloves in aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and seal the foil tightly. Bake alongside the pizza stone for about 30 minutes, until the garlic is soft and golden.
  12. Brush the prepared pizza dough’s outer rim with a bit of olive oil.
  13. Top the pizza dough with the roasted garlic, roasted eggplant, parmesan cheese, and dollops of the ricotta cheese.
  14. Transfer the pizza onto the pizza stone and bake for about 8 minutes.
  15. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then cut and garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Serve and enjoy!