July 9, 2026

Rodrigo A. España, PhD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. España is a tenured professor of neurobiology and anatomy and has served as the department’s interim chair since July 2024.

He joined the College of Medicine from Wake Forest University in 2011 as an assistant professor and rose through the ranks with a record of outstanding scholarship, service and mentorship. He serves as director of the Center for Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience and his lab’s research, supported by several awards from the NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse, focuses on monoaminergic and hypocretinergic modulation of arousal-related processes including motivated behavior, substance abuse disorders, stress and sleep/wake function. He is a 2026-2027 fellow of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program.

As chair of neurobiology and anatomy, Dr. España will continue to elevate the department’s research, education and service missions, and its national and international profiles. His wealth of experience, years as an educator, service on professional committees, mentorship of students and colleagues, and national and international renown as a researcher will continue to serve the department and College well.