Lisa D. Cain, PhD

Lisa D. Cain, PhD, joined The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston faculty in 2017 as Associate Dean for Professional Development and Faculty Affairs, and as a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences. She came to the School of Dentistry from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Associate Member of the Institute for the Medical Humanities, Director of Medical School Enrichment Programs in the Office of Student Affairs, and as Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs at the School of Medicine.

Her experience in governance and faculty affairs also includes past roles as chair of the UTMB Faculty Senate and co-chair of the Health Affairs Committee of UT System’s Faculty Advisory Council. She was founder and chair of the UTMB Faculty Development Council.

Her experience in faculty development leadership initiatives extends to the regional, national and international levels. She was a member of The University of Texas Sponsorship Workshop Planning Committee and holds an elected position in the American Association of Medical Colleges Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA). She is a member of the GFA’s Steering Committee, Program Planning Committee and is a past member of the GFA’s Mentoring Team. Dr. Cain organized and founded the Texas Consortium for Faculty Success, which consists of 13 Texas health science institutions and 18 faculty affairs/faculty development administrators.

Her involvement as a medical and graduate educator spans 30 years. At UTMB, she was course director for Gross Anatomy and Radiology, as well as course director for the Graduate School of Biomedical Science’s Cell Biology course for several years.

As a past vice chair of the Curriculum Committee at the School of Medicine, Dr. Cain reviewed and evaluated basic science and clinical courses. She served as the subcommittee chair for the evaluation of governance and administration for the LCME medical school accreditation process in 2014-2015 and was a member of the LCME Preparation Committee.

As a neuroscientist, Dr. Cain’s research has focused on investigating cholinergic neuron survival and agents that protect spinal cord neurons against the effect of glutamate toxicity and other insults.

She is the recipient of multiple teaching awards and honors, including:

UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award (ROTA)
The Pre-Clinical Woman in Medicine Award, UTMB (outstanding teacher and role model)
The Dr. Martin Luther King Service Award
Induction into the Academy of Master Teachers, UTMB
Selection by the Academy of Master Teachers to receive the Class of 1947 School of Medicine Memorial Professorship for Excellence in Education
University of Texas Distinguished Teaching Professor
Graduate of the Scholars in Education Program
Internationally, she is known for her contributions to education and has served as an educational consultant on the national and international levels, leading initiatives in France (Paris), Canada and Africa. She is a Marshall Goldsmith’s Certified Executive Leadership Coach and has served as a mentor to students, faculty and administrators. Dr. Cain is also an artist who incorporates her love for art into the educational arena.