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Dr. Rodney Guttmann

Biography

Dr. Rodney Guttmann, Professor of Biology and Interim Chair of the Department of Biology, has dedicated his career to advancing Alzheimer's research, innovations in clinical trials, 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 2022 UWF Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award, the UWF SGA Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Faculty Scholars Award, all of which reflect 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—most notably as Director of the Center on Aging—have led to significant contributions to Alzheimer's research. His current project, funded by the National Institute on Aging through NIH R15 grants, focuses on early detection of Alzheimer's disease through advanced phage display technology, placing UWF at the forefront of biomarker research.

With over $2.3 million in research funding as Principal Investigator, 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 pursued advanced degree programs, furthering his commitment to high-quality, impactful mentorship. His work has been particularly transformative for students from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the resources and skills necessary 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, where he partners 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.

Degrees & Institutions

PH.D. Pharmacology, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Research

Dr. Guttmann’s research program is dedicated to advancing biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. His lab focuses on the development of sensitive and specific biomarker assays, utilizing techniques such as phage display to identify early indicators of Alzheimer’s, with the goal of improving early detection and disease management. Additionally, Dr. Guttmann leads efforts in designing novel bioactive peptides, exploring their potential in clinical applications to modulate neuroinflammation, synaptic function, and cellular resilience. His research integrates translational and foundational studies, striving to bridge laboratory discoveries with impactful therapeutic advances for neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: pharmacology, biomaker, assay development, Alzheimer disease and neurodegeneration, bio-active peptides, clinical, research