Dr. Rodney Guttmann

Dr. Rodney Guttmann, Professor of Biology and Interim Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of West Florida’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering has dedicated his career to advancing Alzheimer’s research, clinical trial innovations, and transformative student mentorship. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he conducted influential research on the proteolysis of tau by calpain, and a B.S. in Chemistry from Florida State University, Dr. Guttmann has developed an impactful career focused on finding solutions to neurodegenerative diseases and inspiring future biomedical scientists.

Dr. Guttmann’s work is recognized by awards that underscore his commitment to academic excellence and impactful teaching. These include the UWF Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award, the UWF SGA Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Faculty Scholars Award, reflecting his dedication to advancing UWF’s academic mission. He was awarded the NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Alavi-Dabiri Postdoctoral Award at the University of Pennsylvania early in his career. Since joining UWF, his roles—notably Director of the Center on Aging—have led to key contributions to Alzheimer’s research. His current project, funded by the National Institute on Aging through NIH R15 grants, focuses on early Alzheimer’s detection through advanced phage display technology, placing UWF at the forefront of biomarker research.

With nearly $20 million in research funding, achieved through principal investigator roles and collaborations, Dr. Guttmann’s efforts have helped establish UWF as an active contributor to Alzheimer’s research and therapeutic development. His funding includes awards from NIH, NINDS, and industry sponsors, supporting work in neurodegenerative biomarker discovery and intervention. His role as principal investigator in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s-related agitation, in partnership with Avanir and Otsuka, complements his development of patented therapeutics, including a “Membrane-permeable peptide capable of calpain inhibition” and monoclonal antibodies targeting pathological forms of calcineurin. These innovations underscore his commitment to translating research into practical applications that address significant needs in neurodegenerative care.

As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Guttmann has guided over 100 undergraduate researchers, fostering a supportive environment where students engage in meaningful scientific inquiry. His students have presented at national conferences, co-authored publications, and gone on to advanced degree programs, furthering his commitment to high-quality, impactful mentorship. His work has been particularly transformative for students from diverse backgrounds, offering them the resources and skills to excel in biomedical science fields. Dr. Guttmann’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists reflects his commitment to strengthening STEM education.

In addition to his research and mentorship, Dr. Guttmann regularly shares his insights through invited presentations at national and international conferences, including recent keynotes on Alzheimer’s biomarkers and neurodegeneration. His outreach extends to community education, partnering with healthcare providers to inform the public about aging, dementia prevention, and public health. Through these engagements, Dr. Guttmann advances UWF and his impact on neurodegenerative research and community health, working toward a future with improved understanding and care for aging populations.