McGovern Medical School names executive vice dean for research

As McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston continues to expand its research enterprise and invest in the future of scientific discovery, nationally recognized neurologist and physician-scientist Louise D. McCullough, MD, PhD, has been appointed executive vice dean for research.

Effective Oct. 1, she also became the inaugural holder of the UTHealth Houston Distinguished Chair in Research and vice president for research for UTHealth Houston Neurosciences, helping drive a coordinated strategy to expand research capacity, strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, and accelerate discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside.

“Dr. McCullough is one of the nation’s leading physician-scientists and a visionary leader whose work has transformed our understanding of brain health and neurological disease,” said LaTanya J. Love, MD, McGovern Medical School dean and H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences. “Her leadership, scientific excellence, and commitment to mentorship make her exceptionally well positioned to help shape the future of research at McGovern Medical School and across UTHealth Houston.”

In her new role, McCullough will partner with faculty, research leaders, and university leadership to strengthen the foundation that supports research across McGovern Medical School. Her priorities include expanding opportunities for clinicians, clinician-scientists, and researchers; enhancing mentoring and grant development programs; advancing strategic faculty recruitment and retention; and building collaborative initiatives that support continued growth and national prominence.

She also will work across UTHealth Houston, Memorial Hermann, and Harris Health to build a more coordinated and well-resourced research enterprise that complements and strengthens the institution’s clinical mission. Her leadership will help expand the school’s research portfolio, foster new partnerships, attract exceptional investigators, and accelerate discoveries from the laboratory to patients.

“Every day, we care for patients who need answers that research has yet to provide,” McCullough said. “We have outstanding talent at McGovern, and our priority is to build on that strength by investing in people, bringing new expertise here, and supporting collaboration across disciplines. From fundamental biology to clinical trials, we have an opportunity to expand both the scope of our research and what it makes possible for our patients.”

These appointments follow McCullough’s decision to step down as chair of the Department of Neurology to devote more of her time and expertise to advancing the school’s growing research enterprise. On Oct. 1, Samden Lhatoo, MD, who has been pivotal in expanding the department’s clinical programs, research enterprise, and national reputation since joining the faculty in 2018, assumed the role of chair.

Under McCullough’s leadership, the Department of Neurology significantly expanded its clinical, research, and educational programs while strengthening its national reputation. She established nationally recognized programs in stroke, dementia, and vascular cognitive impairment and fostered a culture of scientific discovery, collaboration, and mentorship.

A renowned neuroscientist, McCullough’s research focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying stroke, cognitive decline, and brain aging. Her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association, and she has received numerous national honors, including the prestigious Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award and the Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship. Earlier this year, she was named Memorial Hermann’s Physician of the Year.

“Dr. McCullough has demonstrated throughout her career that the most impactful discoveries happen when talented people come together around a shared purpose,” Love said. “She brings a unique ability to unite researchers, clinicians, educators, and institutional partners around opportunities that will strengthen our research enterprise and improve health for the patients and communities we serve.”

With McCullough’s appointment, McGovern Medical School is further strengthening its commitment to expanding research capacity, supporting innovative investigators, and advancing discoveries that improve health in Houston and beyond.