Presenting Author
Virginia Union University
Vernon A. Ruffin, PhD is an African American scientist. He received his Bachelor’s in Science in Biology from Virginia Union University (VUU) and his doctorate of philosophy in Neurophysiology from Howard University College of Medicine—two Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs). Dr. Ruffin has conducted research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Yale University College of Medicine, and Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Ruffin’s research focuses on the regulation of pH in the mammalian brain. Driven by the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM research, Dr. Ruffin returned to VUU and joined the faculty in 2014. He teaches courses in biology and physiology and has previously taught ecology, embryology, writing in sciences, and research techniques among other natural science courses. Dr. Ruffin is the Principal Investigator of the first biomedical research neuroscience laboratory at VUU. The basic science research conducted in the Ruffin NeuroLab examines the regulation of intracellular pH in the mammalian brain by the major acid/base transporter proteins. These proteins have recently have been implicated in the regulation/coordination of neuronal excitability in hippocampal neurons. Dr. Ruffin has trained >50 minority students in STEM research. Dr. Ruffin created and hosted the 1st Neuroscience Conference for the institution, the 3/21 NeuroSymposium.