Griffith named head of COM Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics

(COLLEGE STATION, TX) — William H. Griffith, Ph.D., has been appointed head of the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.

Dr. Griffith, a professor in the department, assumed his new duties June 1 following the appointment by Christopher Colenda, M.D., M.P.H., dean of the HSC-COM.

“I am excited about the formation of our new Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics,” Dr. Griffith said. “I look forward to working with all the members of the department, as well as the dean and other department heads, to build a vibrant neuroscience teaching and research program within the College of Medicine. We have a great opportunity to enhance the excellent research programs that already exist within the college.”

A dedicated and productive member of the faculty since arriving at the HSC-COM in 1984, Dr. Griffith has developed several neuropharmacology courses for medical and graduate students that he continues to teach. His primary research interest is the neuropharmacology of aging, and he has been prolific in obtaining $4.15 million in research grants. He also serves students as a major professor and committee member.

“I am confident in Dr. Griffith’s ability to lead the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics by furthering medical education and continued expanding of the neuroscience research programs,” Dr. Colenda said. “We are fortunate to have such an outstanding faculty member and scientist to lead our basic neuroscience efforts. Dr. Griffith will complement and expand college investments at both our College Station and Temple campuses. I look forward to working with him in this new role and believe the department will have a bright future under his leadership.”

Dr. Griffith received his Ph.D. from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1980. He also served as a research associate for the Department of Pharmacology at the University of London School of Pharmacy and as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine at Houston.