Steven Small

Dr. Steven Small is the Ashbel Smith Professor of Neuroscience and former dean of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) at The University of Texas at Dallas. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and an M.D. from the University of Rochester. His research focuses on the neurobiology of language, neuroimaging techniques, and the neuroplasticity underlying recovery from brain injuries, particularly aphasia. He has held leadership roles, including director of the UC Irvine School of Medicine’s Medical Innovation Institute and chair of Neurology at the University of Chicago.

Education:

• A.B. in Mathematics, Dartmouth College (1976)
• Ph.D. in Computer Science: AI/Cognitive Science, University of Maryland (1980)
• M.D., University of Rochester (1987)
• Postdoctoral training in Neurology, University of Pittsburgh (1991)

Research Interests: Dr. Small’s work integrates computational modeling with clinical neuroscience to investigate how brain networks support language functions. He explores the neural mechanisms of language recovery in stroke survivors, the impact of early life experiences on adolescent brain development, and the effects of repetitive head trauma in athletes. His laboratory uses advanced neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, EEG) to map dynamic brain connectivity and assess therapeutic interventions.

Awards & Recognition:

• Founder and first president of the Society for the Neurobiology of Language
• Editor-in-Chief of Brain and Language (2005–2019)
• 2018 Distinguished Career Award from the Society for the Neurobiology of Language

Grants & Collaborations: His research is supported by grants focusing on neurorehabilitation, sports-related neurotrauma, and developmental neurobiology. Collaborations include interdisciplinary teams studying language networks and translational applications of neuroimaging.

Labs & Teams: Dr. Small leads research initiatives at UTD’s BBS, emphasizing integrative approaches to brain and behavior across the lifespan. His work bridges neurology, psychology, and computational science to address complex questions in human cognition and recovery.