New Department of Neuroscience name, interim leadership announced
Effective Nov. 1, the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy will become the Department of Neuroscience, a name that more clearly reflects its role as McGovern Medical School’s home for basic neuroscience research and education. The new name, approved by The University of Texas System and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, honors the department’s longstanding history of excellence in advancing discovery, training future scientists, and fostering collaboration.
This change coincides with an important leadership transition. Earlier this year, Pramod Dash, PhD, informed me of his decision to step down as chair to devote more time to his research. He will continue to serve on the McGovern Medical School faculty, leading his laboratory, which aims to delineate the biochemical and molecular changes critical to memory formation. We are fortunate that Dr. Dash will remain an important part of our community, and we are deeply appreciative of his leadership and service as chair. His commitment to scientific excellence, education, and collaboration has strengthened the department and positioned it well for continued success.
Beginning Nov. 1, Louise D. McCullough, MD, PhD, will serve as interim chair of the Department of Neuroscience while we conduct a national search for the department’s next chair. In addition to her role as executive vice dean for research at McGovern Medical School, Dr. McCullough serves as vice president for research for UTHealth Houston Neurosciences and holds the UTHealth Houston Distinguished Chair in Research. A nationally recognized physician-scientist and leader, she brings extensive experience spanning both basic and clinical research and is uniquely positioned to strengthen collaboration between the department and the broader neuroscience programs across UTHealth Houston.
I am grateful to the department’s faculty and staff, whose commitment to discovery, education, and collaboration has been instrumental to its success. I look forward to working together as we build on that strong foundation in the years ahead.
Please join me in thanking Dr. Dash for his dedicated leadership and contributions to McGovern Medical School and in welcoming Dr. McCullough to this important interim role.