David Ragsdale

David Ragsdale serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), with additional affiliations as Associate Member of the Department of Physiology and Member of the McGill Centre for Medical Education. His career is dedicated to advancing neuroscience pedagogy across McGill's academic spectrum.

His academic foundation includes a B.Sc. in psychology (1982) from the University of Illinois, a Ph.D. in Psychobiology (1989) from the University of California, and postdoctoral training in Pharmacology (1990-1995) at the University of Washington.

Ragsdale designs and delivers courses spanning cell and molecular neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and philosophy of mind for undergraduate, graduate, and medical students. As a core member of the Faculty of Medicine Faculty Development Team, he leads university-wide initiatives through McGill Teaching and Learning Services, focusing on evidence-based teaching practices, innovative assessment methodologies, and effective graduate supervision frameworks that shape institutional educational standards.

His exceptional contributions to pedagogy are recognized through prestigious awards:

• Faculty of Medicine Honour List for Teaching Excellence
• Canadian Association for Medical Education Certificate of Merit
• McGill Principal’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching

Ragsdale previously directed McGill's Integrated Program in Neuroscience and currently serves as Deputy University Research Integrity Officer while maintaining active roles in the McGill Institute for Health Science Research. His leadership extends to curriculum development and faculty mentorship programs that strengthen McGill's educational infrastructure across neuroscience disciplines.