Derek Schreihofer

Derek Schreihofer, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, affiliated with the Institute for Healthy Aging. His research focuses on identifying treatments for brain injuries caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s disease, and metabolic syndrome, emphasizing early intervention strategies. He holds a BS in Biology from Emory University and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh.

Research Interests: His lab investigates steroid hormones, plant estrogens, and novel compounds to protect/regenerate brain tissue post-injury. Techniques include in vivo/vitro models of stroke/TBI, immunostaining, MRI, and gene expression analysis. Key areas include neuroprotection mechanisms, metabolic syndrome-brain health links, and drug discovery for neurological disorders.

Grants & Collaborations: Over 20 sponsored projects since 1997, including NIH-funded studies on metabolic syndrome’s impact on brain health, sigma-1 receptor targeting in concussive injury, and soy phytoestrogen effects on aging female brains. Collaborates with institutions like NHLBI and NINDS.

Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams studying cerebral ischemia, neuroendocrine pathways, and translational neuroscience. Active in mentoring trainees through UNTHSC’s biomedical programs.