Rodney Ritzel

Dr. Rodney Ritzel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), where he leads the BRAINS Research Laboratory. His academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Connecticut Health Center and postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research Center.

Dr. Ritzel's research program focuses on the intersection of aging, brain injury, and immunity. His laboratory investigates neuroimmune interactions in the brain and systemic environment during normal aging and acquired brain injury, with special emphasis on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. The acute phase of TBI is characterized by innate inflammatory responses in the brain that can worsen neuronal injury and concurrent peripheral immune suppression that increases infection risk. The chronic phase features slow, long-term inflammation that can drive neurodegeneration and systemic immune deficiencies. Dr. Ritzel's research aims to identify and target immune signaling pathways that go awry after TBI to mitigate neurodegeneration and improve long-term functional outcomes.

Dr. Ritzel's publication record shows a strong focus on understanding how brain injury affects both the central nervous system and peripheral immune system. His recent work has explored topics including microglial activation during chronic TBI, proton extrusion in microglia exacerbating acidosis after TBI, and how aging alters immune responses to stroke. His research has revealed important connections between brain injury, aging, and long-term neurological outcomes.

• Inaugural Michael Shipley Postdoctoral Award for excellence in neuroscience research
• NINDS F31 training award
• NINDS F32 training award
• NINDS K99/R00 training award

Dr. Ritzel currently mentors a diverse team including Patrick Devlin (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), Romeesa Khan and Aylin Ak (GSBS Graduate Student Research Assistants), and Cole Sebok (Research Assistant). His laboratory is part of the BRAINS Research Laboratory infrastructure at UTHealth Houston, which includes multiple core facilities supporting advanced neuroscience research. Dr. Ritzel actively collaborates with other faculty in the Department of Neurology, contributing to a vibrant research environment focused on understanding and treating neurological disorders.