Patrick Sullivan, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Neuroscience in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Trust Endowed Chair in the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, has been honored as a 2024-25 University Research Professor.

Sullivan’s research has primarily focused on central nervous system (CNS) metabolism and bioenergetics in acute and chronic disease states. Since joining UK in 2002, the Sullivan laboratory has pioneered numerous techniques to evaluate specific mitochondrial populations in the CNS.

Those techniques led to novel insights into the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction following brain and spinal cord injuries. Sullivan’s primary goal is to develop mitochondrial-targeted therapies to treat traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. He also holds several U.S. and international patents related to his research at UK.

Sullivan spoke with UKNow about his latest honor as a University Research Professor in this Q&A.

UKNow: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a University Research Professor?

Sullivan: Being recognized as a University Research Professor is a significant honor, and I find it incredibly humbling. I attribute any success I’ve achieved as a researcher to the guidance of mentors like Steve Scheff, Os Steward and Ed Hall, as well as the support of my colleagues in the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center and the Department of Neuroscience. Just as important are the members of my laboratory over the years and their contributions to the laboratory success.

UKNow: How will the professorships program advance your research?

Sullivan: The professorship program will significantly advance our research by providing funding to acquire a new robotic pipettor. This instrument will enhance the accuracy and throughput of many of our laboratory assays, thereby facilitating our ongoing investigations.

UKNow: How does your research address challenges facing Kentucky?

Sullivan: My research directly addresses the challenges facing Kentucky, particularly regarding traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. These injuries represent significant healthcare concerns not only in Kentucky but across the United States. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with limited treatment options available. In 2020, 195 out of every 100,000 Kentuckians visited an emergency room for a TBI, with over 2,654 individuals being hospitalized.

UKNow: What impact will your research have on Kentucky?

Sullivan: We anticipate that our findings, including the development of two drugs currently in various stages of clinical trials, could lead to effective treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. These treatments have the potential to improve the lives of individuals affected by such injuries, including many in Kentucky who face these challenges.

About the University Research Professors
Each year, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approves a cohort of faculty as University Research Professors. The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world.

College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in other events planned around the program.