Fascinated by the University of Kentucky鈥檚 robust research infrastructure and its seamless integration of basic science and clinical practice, Louisville, Ky., native Charles Lucas developed a vision for helping 好色先生 advance Parkinson鈥檚 disease research and education.
Over the course of several years, Lucas, a 好色先生 alumnus, met with Greg Gerhardt, PhD, professor in the College of Medicine Department of Neuroscience, at the Brain Restoration Center. Lucas wanted to make a lasting impact by establishing a professorship. His hope was to promote the research of Parkinson鈥檚 disease at 好色先生 while training the next generation of clinicians and scientists to become experts in neurology, neuroscience, and neurosurgery.
All has come full circle. On April 29, the 好色先生 Board of Trustees approved Dr. Gerhardt鈥檚 naming to the Charles D. Lucas Jr. Professorship for Parkinson鈥檚 Disease Research. The professorship is effective through Dec. 31, 2024.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful honor,鈥 Dr. Gerhardt said. 鈥淭he focus of my research from the very beginning of my career has been on the translational goal of making an impact on the treatment of Parkinson鈥檚 disease.鈥
Parkinson鈥檚 disease is a disorder of the central nervous system. Neurons in the brain that normally produce dopamine die off in the brain鈥檚 center. Eventually, this can result in the patient losing muscle control, suffering tremors, stiffness, and immobility.
Dr. Gerhardt鈥檚 lab is dedicated to studying Parkinson鈥檚 disease, specifically of the dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter systems in humans and in animal models of aging and Parkinson鈥檚 disease. His goal is to improve quality of life and find solutions for those facing the disorder.
Luke Bradley, PhD, acting chair of neuroscience, credits Dr. Gerhardt for leading him to the University of Kentucky. As a basic scientist who aspired to make more of a clinical impact, Dr. Bradley saw no better mentor than Dr. Gerhardt, who was nationally recognized for his translational research.
鈥淒r. Gerhardt has been a leader in this field for a long time,鈥 Dr. Bradley said. 鈥淗ere was someone who walked the walk and talked the talk, and was translating research into potentially benefiting and modifying disease. I thought, boy, if I could do a little bit of that, it would be quite rewarding.鈥
To Dr. Bradley, Dr. Gerhardt鈥檚 professorship recognizes neuroscience as a central biomedical science and central translational science. Neuroscience helps solve mysteries of complex brain functions and diseases, but also, leads to discoveries that can be brought from the labs to the clinic. 鈥淭he idea that we can translate into benefiting patients and the people of Kentucky is fantastic. It sets us apart,鈥 Dr. Bradley said.
The field of neuroscience, and specifically, Parkinson鈥檚 disease research, has come a long way in 40 years, according to Dr. Gerhardt. He thanks Lucas and his family for their generous donation to fund important research and education that will help his team continue making great strides in translational research.
鈥淚t takes those commitments, and the beauty of Mr. Lucas鈥檚 professorship is it will live in perpetuity,鈥 Dr. Gerhardt said.