Kathy Nugent

Kathy Nugent is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Health Professions. She also holds significant administrative roles as Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Biotech & Innovation Officer since 2025, and previously as Associate Vice President (2016–present) and Director of the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (2014–2016).

• PhD in Biopsychology from City University of New York System: Graduate School & University Center (1997)
• Master of Psychology (Biopsychology) (1995)
• Bachelor of Social or Behavioral Science in Psychology (1999)

Her research spans Neurosciences, Psychology, and Pharmacology, focusing on opioid withdrawal mechanisms in neonatal and fetal rats, NMDA receptor antagonists, and developmental neurobiology. She has also contributed to Biotechnology workforce trends and interdisciplinary training in life sciences.

Teaching activities include courses like Bench to Commercialization I/II, Innovations in Biotechnology, and Capstone Integration of Basic Science and Product Development, reflecting her interest in bridging research to industry applications.

She participated in a 2017 UAB grant for the Proof-of-Concept Incubator funded by the Economic Development Administration/Department of Commerce.