Bio
Dr. Andrew Ortiz is a cellular and molecular neuroscientist by training, with research expertise focused on how diabetes and metabolic dysfunction increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease. His scientific background centers on mechanisms linking hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, obesity, aging, menopause, GABA(B) receptor signaling, gut–microbiome interactions, and chronic neuroinflammation to neurodegeneration. He has extensive experience using transgenic mouse models and human biofluids to integrate molecular, biochemical, and behavioral approaches aimed at understanding how metabolic stress accelerates neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline.
Dr. Ortiz now serves as Chief of Staff/Operations and Research Program Coordinator at the Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, housed within the Department of Brain Health at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. The Center is directed by Jeffrey L. Cummings, MD, ScD (Hon), a world-renowned leader in Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegeneration, clinical trials, and drug development. In this role, Dr. Ortiz leads and oversees Center operations, strategic planning, and multiple multidisciplinary research initiatives focused on Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegeneration, and brain health. He manages the execution of projects by working closely with faculty, research teams, clinicians, biotechnology partners, and external sponsors. His responsibilities include coordinating NIA-funded programs such as the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Innovation Incubator (InnovaTor; 5R25AG083721-03)—overseeing seminars, Innovation Day, program activities, and progress reporting—as well as contributing to the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial InnOvatioN (ACTION) Initiative (5R35AG071476-05), including efforts related to the Clinical Trials Observatory. Dr. Ortiz also oversees several medical trainees, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers within the Center, providing mentorship, securing resources, and streamlining workflows to ensure alignment with scientific and programmatic goals. Through this leadership role, he supports the Center’s mission to accelerate therapeutic development and advance global efforts to treat neurodegenerative diseases.