Meet Dana McTigue, PhD, named new vice dean for Research

Dana McTigue, PhD, is the new vice dean for Research at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. As an internationally recognized neuroscientist, her distinguished career has deep roots at The Ohio State University, where she has advanced through the academic ranks to professor in the Department of Neuroscience. She has served as the College of Medicine’s associate dean for Foundational Research since 2021, provides strategic leadership as the director of Research for the Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, and holds the Belford Family Endowed Chair in Spinal Cord Injury, an honor she received in 2023.  

Dr. McTigue’s research has fundamentally reshaped how the field understands spinal cord injury, shifting the focus beyond localized trauma to viewing it as a complex, whole-body condition. Her groundbreaking discoveries have opened new doors for long-term treatment.  

In this Q&A, Dr. McTigue shares how she will apply her foundational knowledge to advance our research mission and support researchers and learners across the college.  

What are you most looking forward to in your new role as you get started? 

Two things, really. First, connecting with people across the college. I love learning about the incredible research our faculty are doing and identifying ways to support and amplify their great work. I look forward to identifying new opportunities for our researchers to elevate their work and to bringing new teams together to push our science forward in innovative directions.  

Second, I am passionate about removing roadblocks and red tape that slow down our ability to perform research. I want to identify specific problems and do my best to eliminate or mitigate them, so it is easier for us to do the excellent research we are all passionate about doing.   

What inspired you to pursue medicine and neuroscience, and what keeps you passionate about it today?

I fell in love with neuroscience when I took my first undergraduate neuroscience class. The central nervous system is so elegant and complex. I’m constantly in awe of what our brains are capable of, and I’m inspired by the idea of pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the brain’s potential. Considering the brain and spinal cord innervate the entire body, including all the organs, they play a key role in all aspects of health, disease and aging.  

That inspires me to keep pushing for a better understanding of neuroscience, so we can leverage that knowledge to improve health and vitality throughout our lifespans and find new ways to combat disease and age-related decline.  

What inspired you to turn the focus of your research toward spinal cord injury? 

This injury commonly happens to young people in the prime of their lives and often completely changes the trajectory of what they can do, in terms of physical abilities, potential employment opportunities and even their relationships and ability to have a family. Their lives can be incredibly difficult for reasons that extend way beyond reduced mobility.  

Knowing this motivates me to focus my passion for neuroscience solidly on understanding how we can improve the brain-spinal cord-body connections in ways that will improve health and quality of life for these individuals. This knowledge will also provide insight into systemic problems associated with other neurological conditions and diseases.  

Describe your approach to being a prolific mentor who guides learners, trainees and colleagues. 

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had amazing mentors along my career pathway, and I feel passionate about paying that forward. I used to think that being a good mentor meant being a “strong” role model who is always certain and confident of what to do. With time I realized that I could help people far more by being open and honest about struggles I have had to manage or mistakes I’ve made along the way.  

I’m a first-generation student, and I clearly remember feeling clueless and unsure of what to do, including when I got to graduate school. I try to channel those feelings into empathy for whomever I’m mentoring. I’ve also learned to listen carefully so I can truly understand what a mentee’s goals are. I realize everyone has a different path, so I try to understand where they want to go and then identify strategies to help them get there.  

Do you have a favorite Ohio State memory or tradition? 

I think one of my favorite Ohio State traditions is how you can be anywhere in the world and come across fellow Buckeyes. My husband and I have been in more than one city abroad where someone will notice his OSU ball cap and yell “O-H” at us! It’s cool to know you’re part of this enormous, highly enthusiastic community.  

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I love playing with our silly Goldendoodle, gardening, watching the Columbus Blue Jackets almost make the playoffs (again!), and I recently started taking art classes to learn how to paint and make stained glass.  

What would you like students, faculty and staff to know about you and your personal and professional style of interaction? 

I’m pretty informal and easygoing, so I would encourage everyone to feel comfortable approaching me or reaching out at any time. I truly love helping people solve problems, overcome roadblocks and get closer to their goals. I am here to help and I’m excited for this new role!