David M. Hollis

Dr. David M. Hollis is a Professor of Biology at Furman University, specializing in the molecular mechanisms of neural regeneration in anamniotic vertebrates (fish and amphibians). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and has held academic positions at Pennsylvania State University-Altoona and postdoctoral roles at Oregon State University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Great Lakes WATER Institute. His research focuses on brain repair capabilities in adult fish and amphibians, using rainbow trout, bullfrogs, and mummichogs as models.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Notre Dame
• M.A., California State University, Fresno
• B.A., California State University, Fresno

His lab investigates genes governing cell proliferation and neurogenesis, bridging developmental and regenerative biology. Collaborations with undergraduate researchers are highlighted in his publications. He is a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN), and the Society for Comparative and Integrative Biology (SICB).

Publications span neuroanatomical studies in amphibians, molecular characterization of receptors (e.g., GABAA), and transcriptomic responses to injury in fish. His work emphasizes evolutionary insights into regenerative capacity differences among vertebrates.

Advising includes mentoring numerous undergraduate co-authors in experimental design and data analysis. Current lab projects explore brain repair mechanisms in mummichogs, aiming to uncover therapeutic clues for mammalian neural regeneration.