Lisa D. Cain

Lisa D. Cain, PhD, is a Professor and Associate Dean for Professional Development and Faculty Affairs at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston.

• BS: Jackson State University
• PhD: University of Mississippi Medical Center
• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Her research focuses on neuroscience, particularly cholinergic neuron survival and neuroprotection against glutamate toxicity. She is a leader in medical and dental education, with expertise in curriculum development, faculty governance, and LCME accreditation processes. Dr. Cain has taught Gross Anatomy, Radiology, and Cell Biology courses and co-directs the Health Education Fellowship Program for faculty training.

She holds significant administrative roles, including Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs and Development at UTHealth Houston, and has founded the Texas Consortium for Faculty Success. Internationally, she consults on medical education in France, Canada, and Africa, and is a Marshall Goldsmith Certified Executive Leadership Coach.

• UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award (2015)
• Pre-Clinical Woman in Medicine Award (UTMB)
• Dr. Martin Luther King Service Award (2016)
• Induction into the Academy of Master Teachers (UTMB)
• Graduate of the UTMB Scholars in Education Program
• University of Mississippi Medical Center Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences Distinguished Alumnus (2020)
• Pillars Lifetime Achievement Awards (Diversity Office, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2021)
• Selected as one of 11 contemporary women leaders in dentistry (Journal of the Hispanic Dental Association, 2022)

Dr. Cain has secured grants such as the Faculty Development Loan Repayment Grant from the Health Services Administration and actively contributes to institutional compliance as a member of the UTHealth Houston Executive Compliance Committee. Her career spans 30 years, blending academic research, leadership development, and advocacy for diversity in dentistry.