Traumatic damage to the brain and spinal cord constitutes some of the most devastating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of investigators focuses on studies to advance diagnosis, treatment and repair of CNS damage.
This research group uses contemporary cellular, molecular, behavior and electrophysiological approaches to study the initiating and evolving mechanisms of pathogenesis, therapeutic targets to attenuate damage, and delayed interventions to expedite recovery and repair.
The faculty in the Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy, in collaboration with basic and clinical scientists from other academic units, are dedicated to studying ways to:
- Enhance patient management through diagnostics
- Improve overall outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Lessen secondary insults
- Promote regeneration
Faculty
Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-9536
Email: jeffrey.dupree@vcuhealth.org
Kimberle M. Jacobs, PhD
Associate Professor
Kimberle M. Jacobs, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-827-2135
Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-628-7570
Email: pamela.knapp@vcuhealth.org
Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-0527
Andrew Ottens, Ph.D.
Professor
Andrew Ottens, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-1573
Fax: 804-828-9477
Email: andrew.ottens@vcuhealth.org
John T. Povlishock, PhD
Professor, Retired
John T. Povlishock, PhD
Professor, Retired
Anatomy and Neurobiology
Phone: 804-828-9403
Dong Sun, MD, PhD
Professor
Dong Sun, MD, PhD
Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-1318
Fax: 804-828-3276
Email: dong.sun@vcuhealth.org
Ongoing Projects
Faculty: Babette Fuss, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/NIH
Cost: $426,938
Duration: July 9, 2024 – June 6, 2026
Project Description:
Faculty: Babette Fuss, PhD
Sponsor: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Cost: $599,999
Duration: April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2028
Project Description:
Faculty: Babette Fuss, PhD
Sponsor: University of Texas at San Antonio
Cost: $34,350
Duration: April 1, 2021 - December 31, 2025
Project Description:
Faculty: Audrey Lafrenaye, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH
Cost: $1,627,616
Duration: August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2027
Project Description:
MPI: Philip Gerk, PhD
Faculty: Audrey Lafrenaye, PhD
Sponsor: Department of Defense
Cost: $751,038
Duration: September 30, 2024 - September 29, 2027
Project Description:
Faculty: Dong Sun, PhD
Sponsor: Commonwealth Health Research Board
Cost: $200,000
Duration: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH
Cost: $823,730
Duration: April 8, 2019 – March 31, 2030
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH
Cost: $2,511,034
Duration: December 1, 2023 - November 30, 2027
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Cost: $294,975
Duration: August 15, 2025 - May 31, 2030
Project Description:
Faculty: Kimberle Jacobs, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/NIH
Cost: $1,009,800
Duration: September 9, 2011 - March 31, 2029
Project Description: