Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Research and Innovation

08/21/2026

The next big breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease research could be a drug that already exists! Researchers are collaborating on a new study to see if a drug typically used to treat cancer can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s. Read how repurposing medicine could speed up the search for a cure! https://bit.ly/3Sovap5

08/03/2026

After nearly 50 years of service to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Samuel Prien, Ph.D., will be retiring at the end of the month. He has transformed Assisted Reproductive Technology through groundbreaking research and patented medical devices, helping shape the future of reproductive medicine. Beyond his research, he has inspired and mentored generations of students, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the lab.

His legacy of innovation, mentorship and service has brought hope to countless individuals and families. Please join us in thanking Dr. Prien for his extraordinary career and wishing him a wonderful and well-deserved retirement!

Read more about Dr. Prien here: https://bit.ly/4h3Tbf6

Texas Tech Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Texas Tech University Department of Animal & Food Sciences
Texas Tech Honors College
Texas Tech Research

07/29/2026

Regular physical activity has long been linked to better mental health, but new research from Andjelka Pavlovic, Ph.D. of The Kenneth H. Cooper Institute at TTUHSC suggests how you stay active matters, too.

The research team found that higher-intensity exercise and participating in a variety of physical activities were associated with lower odds of experiencing depressive symptoms, offering new insights into the connection between physical and mental well-being.

Read more about the study and its findings: https://dailydose.ttuhsc.edu/2026/june/exercise-and-depression.aspx

07/23/2026

Building the next generation of physician-scientists starts with early research experiences. Through TTUHSC's Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP), students gain hands-on research experience, meaningful faculty mentorship and the skills to advance the future of medicine. A newly published study highlights the program's success in fostering scholarly growth and preparing tomorrow's physician-scientists.

Learn more: https://dailydose.ttuhsc.edu/2026/july/summer-research-program-positive-outcomes.aspx

07/17/2026

The 2025 Research & Innovation Annual Report is out! We’re proud to highlight a year of discovery, student achievement and regional impact. See how our team is advancing the future of health. Read the full report at here: https://bit.ly/45aJTqi

06/29/2026

Millions of people in impoverished communities suffer from Schistosomiasis, a "neglected disease" that lacks a preventative vaccine. Historically, only one drug has been available for treatment, leaving individuals vulnerable to reinfection. But that is changing! New research highlights the progress of SchistoShield®, a groundbreaking vaccine developed by Afzal Siddiqui, Ph.D.

Learn more here: https://dailydose.ttuhsc.edu/2026/june/schistosomiasis.aspx

06/29/2026

Congratulations to Leslie Shen, PhD, CCRP, FASN, on presenting her research at the 2026 APS Annual Convention in Barcelona, Spain. Dr. Shen shared findings from her study, "Effects of Pecans on Brain Health in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Gut-Brain Axis Approach," advancing our understanding of the relationship between nutrition and cognitive health. We applaud Dr. Shen's ongoing dedication to improving health outcomes through innovative research.

06/26/2026

TTUHSC has named Lance R. McMahon, Ph.D., as the new Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences dean and Kendra P. Rumbaugh, Ph.D., as vice dean.

06/23/2026

Did you miss KCBD-TV's recent story featuring Erin Barr Erin Barr, M.D., and C Patrick Reynolds, M.D., Ph.D.? Learn how Dr. Barr's recent $1.4 million Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grant is fueling groundbreaking pediatric cancer research at TTUHSC, expanding access to clinical trials and advancing care for children in West Texas and beyond.

Check it out here:

Dr. Erin Barr, a pediatric hematologist oncologist with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, is working to make sure west Texas families are provided the best cancer treatment possible.

06/15/2026

Congratulations to Mahmoud Salama Ahmed, PhD, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the TTUHSC-Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy and the TTU HSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Amarillo, for receiving the 2026 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Early Career Award from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET).

This prestigious honor highlights Dr. Ahmed’s outstanding contributions to cardiovascular pharmacology research and reflects his dedication to advancing scientific discovery. His commitment to research excellence continues to strengthen TTUHSC’s mission of innovation, education and scholarship while contributing to improved health outcomes for communities across Texas and beyond.