David W. Shucard PhD, FAASM, FAPA

David Shucard

David W. Shucard
PhD, FAASM, FAPA

Professor and Director, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences

Department of Neurology

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

Autoimmune Conditions; Behavioral Neurology; Brain Research; Concussion; Neurobiology; Neuropsychiatric Disorders; Neuroscience; Sex Differences; Sleep Disorders; Sleep Medicine; Tourette's Syndrome; Traumatic Brain Injury

Contact Information
Department of Neurology
Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences
Sherman Hall Rm 114A
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone: 716-829-2099
dshucard@buffalo.edu
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Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Professional Summary:

I am the director of the Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences in the Department of Neurology. I founded the Neurodiagnostic Laboratory at Buffalo General Hospital and I was the associate director of the Sleep Disorder Center of Western New York. I am a Diplomate in the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow in the American Psychological Association.

My research is in the area of cognitive and behavioral neuroscience with a particular interest in the neurophysiological basis of cognitive functioning, intellectual abilities, attention, and the role of sleep and sleep disorders, such as apnea, on neurocognitive functioning. The major methodological approach used in my laboratory is a combination of electrophysiological (mainly event-related brain potentials), neuropsychological, and other behavioral methods. Collaborative positron emission tomography (PET) and MRI studies have also been conducted and are being conducted in combination with electrophysiology. Both clinical and non-clinical populations are being studied. Populations studied have included infants, children, and adults, as well as animals. Recent work with clinical populations has focused on cognitive disturbances in autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In addition, recent research has been directed at brain mechanisms of cognitive control such as conflict resolution and response inhibition and how cognitive control is affected by PTSD symptomatology in working police officers. Other studies address the effectiveness of cognitive training in multiple sclerosis, and the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in treating TBI. The development of novel electrophysiological and behavioral markers of neural efficiency/neural noise and cognitive function via state-of-the-art dense electrophysiological techniques coupled with behavioral/cognitive paradigms is a significant focus of the research. In general, the research takes a systems approach to the understanding of cognitive functioning.

Research and clinical training/teaching are important functions of the Division. Over the years, our laboratory has mentored and trained undergraduate and graduate students, medical students, medical residents, and neuropsychology postdoctoral fellows/residents. We are closely affiliated with the Neuroscience Program and Psychology at UB and have students from both areas in our laboratory. Because of the scope of clinical and research areas of interest and the research tools available within the Division and via collaborations, unique multimethod opportunities are present for training and for examining research questions in unique and creative ways.

Education and Training:
  • Fellowship, cognitive neuroscience, animal and human neurophysiology, and clinical elec, University of California, Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute and Stanford University (1971)
  • PhD, Psychophysiology/Experimental Psychology, University of Denver (1969)
  • MS, Zoology/Biology, University of Denver (1967)
  • BA, Zoology, Chemistry, Literature, University of Colorado (1962)

Employment:
  • Founder and Director, Neurodiagnostic Laboratory and Clinical Services, Neurology, Buffalo General Hospital and University at Buffalo School of Medicine (1985-present)
  • Founder/Director, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Neurology, University ar Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1985-present)
  • Professor, Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo (1985-present)
  • Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University ar Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1985-present)
  • Professor, Department of Psychology, Psychology, University ar Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1985-present)
  • Founder and Director, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Neurology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1985–2021)
  • Associate Center Director, Sleep Disorder Center of Western NY, Millard Fillmore Hospital (1998–2008)
  • Founder/Director Neurodiagnostic Laboratory, Buffalo General Hospital (1985–2005)
  • Director, Center for the Study of the Biobehavioral and Social Aspects of Health, State University of NY at Buffalo (1992–1996)
  • Director, Center for the Study of the Biobehavioral and Social Aspects of Health, Center of Excellence (Psychology), University at Buffalo (1992–1996)
  • Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine (1984–1985)
  • Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Denver (1979–1985)
  • Teaching Faculty, School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver School of Professional Psychology (1979–1985)
  • Founder/Director, Brain Sciences Laboratories, Pediatrics, National Jewish Hospital and Research Center (1976–1985)
  • Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine School of Medicine (1978–1984)
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Denver (1975–1979)
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine School of Medicine (1971–1976)
  • Professional Staff, National Jewish Hospital and Research Center, Behavioral Science, National Jewish Hospital and Research Center (1971–1976)
See all (8 more)

Awards and Honors:
  • NIMH Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship (1969)
  • NASA Predoctoral Fellow (1965)
  • Phi Sigma Society
  • Sigma Xi
  • Psi Chi
  • Fellow, American Psychological Association, Divisions 3,6,7
  • Fellow: American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Research Expertise:
  • Cognitive and behavioral neurosciences: Study the relationships between behavioral and biological variables, with an emphasis on the neurophysiology of the brain as the dependent measure
  • Cognitive disturbances in Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and PTSD
  • Cognitive processes: Neurophysiology associated with cognitive processes such as working memory and attention; information processing; intellectual abilities; learning disorders; intellectual/cognitive development; language development; psychological disorders; drug effects; and immunological reactions
  • EEG
  • Electrophysiological, behavioral, neuropsychological, immunological, biochemical, and neuroimaging: Techniques used
  • Event-Related Brain Potentials: Dense electrode EEGs and ERPs are used to investigate the cognitive processes such as working memory, cognitive control, and information processing in both clinical and nonclinical populations.
  • Nervous system of both animals and humans
  • Neuropsychology
  • Polysomnography (Sleep Medicine): Boarded in Sleep Disorders Medicine

Grants and Sponsored Research:
  • March 2025–March 2027
    Investigation of behavioral and neural indices of multisensory information processing in Multiple Sclerosis: A novel approach. Exploration -hypothesis development award
    Department of Defense Multiple Sclerosis Research Program
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $232,022
  • January 2018–December 2021
    The effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms on behavioral, psychological, and neurophysiological measures of decision making in police officers
    National Institutes of Justice
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $814,158
  • October 2016–November 2021
    Neurocognitive, electrophysiological and MRI changes associated with low level laser therapy (photobiomodulation) in the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: A pilot study
    American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $68,000
  • June 2017–June 2021
    The effects of working memory training on brain function, structure, and cognition in MS
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $622,839
  • September 2014–August 2016
    Does working memory training improve brain function and cognition in MS?
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $44,000
  • August 2014–April 2016
    Does working memory training improve brain function and cognition in healthy individuals and in patients with Multiple Sclerosis?
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $60,000
  • January 2006–January 2011
    Neurological indices of CNS involvement in non-CNS SLE
    NIH
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $1,200,000
  • January 2006–December 2006
    Neurological Indices of CNS Involvement in SLE
    James H. Cummings Foundation
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $179,267
  • March 2023
    A novel method for the investigation of the neural underpinnings of performance on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test in Multiple Sclerosis (Pilot Research Grant, submitted)
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $55,000

Journal Articles:

See all (97 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Shucard D, Parmenter B., El-Sohl A. (2006) Encyclopedia of Medical Devices and Instrumentation. In: Computer analysis of sleep studies. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 213-224.
  • Shucard DW, McGee M.G., Cummins K.R., Minarick D.D., Hill J.C. (1989) Cognitive Science: Contributions to Educational Practice. In: Patterns of electrophysiological activity in normal and disabled readers. Gordon and Breach, 122-147.
  • Shucard DW, Shucard JL, Thomas D.G. (1987) Language, Gender and Sex In Comparative Perspective. In: Sex differences in the patterns of scalp-recorded electrophysiological activity in infancy: Possible implications for language development. Cambridge University Press, 278-295.
  • Shucard DW, Cummins K.R., Gay E. (1985) Biobehavioral measures of Dyslexia. In: Electrophysiological studies of reading disabled children: In search of subtypes. York Press, 87-106.
  • Shucard DW, Shucard JL, Thomas D.G. (1984) Continuities and Discontinuities in Development. In: The development of cerebral specialization in infants: Electrophysiological and behavioral studies. Plenum Publishing Corp., 293-314.
  • Crnic L., Reite M.L., Shucard DW. (1982) Neurobiological and Psychobiological Aspects. In: Animal models of human behavior: Their application to the study of attachment. Plenum Publishing Corp., 31-42.
  • Selinger M., Shucard DW, Prescott T. (1980) Clinical Aphasiology Conference Proceedings. In: Relationships between behavioral and electrophysiological measures of auditory comprehension. BRK Publishers, 217-225.

Abstracts:

  • Bishop B, Silva G, Krasney J, Salloum A, Roerts A, Farkas G, Rifkin D, Shucard D. (2000) Hypoxic-Induced Changes in a Rat's Body Temperature and Level of Activity depend on Ambient Temperature. FASEB, (Jan) A80-A80
  • Krasney J, Farkas G, Shucard DW, Salloum A, Silva G, Roberts A, Rifkin D, Bishop B, Rubio A. (1999) Arterial Hypoxia (63h) elicits subdural hematomas in rats at 29 degrees Celsius. Society for Neuroscience, (Jan)
  • Ciupak GL, Quattrin T, Shucard JL, Shucard DW. (1997) Further Delineation of Cognitive Abilities in Turner Syndrome: Does Estrogen Play a Role?. J Int Neuropsychol Soc, (Jan) 35-35
  • Quattrin T, Ciupak GL, Shucard DW, Shucard JL, Clopper RL, Voorhess ML. (1995) Turner Syndrome: Further Delineation of Visual Spatial Abilities and the Role of Estrogen Replacement Therapy. Pediatr Res, (Jan) 96A-96A

Service Activities:
  • Faculty Senate Budget Priorities committee; Committee Member (2020–2021)
  • Equity and Inclusion Committee, Dept of Psychology, University at Buffalo; Committee Member (2020–present)
  • UUP State Grievance Committee; UUP State Grievance Committee (2020–present)
  • Promotions Committee, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Committee Member (2019–2021)
  • UUP Executive Committee (Grievance Officer), HSChapter, University at Buffalo; Committee Member (2019–present)
  • Buffalo Jewish Service Corps (affiliated with Red Cross); Member (2018–present)
  • United Way Member, Buffalo; Member (2016–present)
  • Action Editor, International Journal of Psychophysiology; Action Editor (2014–present)
  • Independent Health Sleep Advisory Panel; Member (2012–2013)
  • Special Issue of International Journal of Psychophysiology; Guest Editor with Janet Shucard (2011–2012)
  • Amherst Democratic Committee, elected member; Member (2004–present)
  • Medical Ethics Committee; Member (2001–present)
  • Faculty Senate; Member (2000–present)
  • Admissions Committee; Member (1999–present)
  • Medical Ethics Database Sub-Committee; Chair (1999–2000)
  • Faculty Council Steering Committee; Member (1999–present)
  • Promotions; Member (1996–present)
  • Medical Ethics Committee; Member (1994–present)
  • Neurobiology of Aging; Ediorial Board, Neurobiology of Aging (1992–2001)
  • Resident Review/Advisory; Member (1986–present)
  • Chairman and Reviewer for a number of NIH Study sections; Chairman and Reviewer for a number of NIH Study Sections

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Contact Information

Department of Neurology
Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences
Sherman Hall Rm 114A
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone: 716-829-2099
dshucard@buffalo.edu
View map
View faculty website

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