David W. Shucard PhD FAASM

David Shucard

David W. Shucard
PhD FAASM

Professor and Director, Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences

Department of Neurology

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

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 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 in combination with electrophysiology. Both clinical and nonclinical 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. Also, recent research has been directed at brain mechanisms of cognitive control such as conflict resolution and response inhibition. The development of novel electrophysiological markers of neural efficiency and cognitive function via state-of-the art dense electrophysiological techniques is also a focus of the research. In general, the research takes a systems approach to understanding 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. Because of the scope of clinical and research areas housed within the Division, and the availability of collaborative possibilities, unique opportunities are present for training and for examining research questions in new and creative ways.

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

Employment:
  • Professor, Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo (1989-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, Neurology, University ar Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1985-present)
  • Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University ar Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1985-present)
  • 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 Beiobehavioral and Social Aspects of Health, 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 (5 more)

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:
  • June 2017–June 2020
    The effects of working memory training on brain function, structure, and cognition in MS
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $622,839
  • January 2018–January 2020
    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 2017
    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
  • 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
  • September 2014–August 2015
    Does working memory training improve brain function and cognition in MS?
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $44,000
  • 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

Journal Articles:

See all (94 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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, 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, 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Abstracts:

  • 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. (Jan)
  • Ciupak GL, Quattrin T, Shucard JL, Shucard DW. (1997) Further Delineation of Cognitive Abilities in Turner Syndrome: Does Estrogen Play a Role?. (Jan) 35-35
  • 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. (Jan) A80-A80
  • 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. (Jan) 96A-96A

Service Activities:
  • 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)
  • Resident Review/Advisory; Member (1986–present)

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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
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