Charles F. Mactutus

Charles F. Mactutus is a Professor of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, affiliated with the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. He holds editorial roles in journals like International Journal of Developmental Neurobiology and HIV/AIDS-Research and Palliative Care. His research focuses on cognitive dysfunction in NeuroAIDS, HIV-1 transgenic models, and neurotoxic effects of drugs of abuse. He has led NIH-funded studies and served on multiple advisory panels, including the U.S. EPA Scientific Advisory Panel on Developmental Neurotoxicity. Dr. Mactutus has mentored numerous trainees and was elected a AAAS Fellow in 2010.

Education & Training:

• B.S. Psychology, St. Lawrence University (1975)
• M.A./Ph.D. Experimental Psychology, Kent State University (1977/1979)
• Postdoc in Neurotoxicology/Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University (1979–1981)

Research Interests:

• Neurobehavioral teratology and developmental neurotoxicology
• Cognitive dysfunction in HIV/AIDS and drug abuse
• Animal models of NeuroAIDS and pediatric AIDS
• Neuroprotective therapies targeting dopaminergic systems

Funding & Recognition:

• NIH grants from NICHD, NIDA, and NIEHS
• AAAS Fellowship (2010)
• Best Mentor Award (2008)

Grants & Collaborations:

• HD043680 (NICHD): Maternal HIV Neurotoxicity
• DA013137 (NIDA): HIV/Cocaine Interaction
• DA021287 (NIDA): Prenatal Nicotine Vulnerability
• Co-leads the NIH-funded Biomedical-Behavioral Training Grant

Labs & Teams:

His lab investigates NeuroAIDS using HIV-1 transgenic rats, focusing on cognitive deficits and neuroprotective agents. Collaborations include Drs. Booze, Aksenov, and Harrod for translational research on drug abuse and HIV interactions.