Dr. Patrick McPhail Martin is selected to lead North Carolina A&T State Universities Alzheimer’s Center

Patrick McPhail Martin, Ph.D.

By Donna Bradby

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (April 30, 2021) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has named Patrick McPhail Martin, Ph.D., as the new interim director of the Center for Outreach in Alzheimer’s, Aging and Community Health (COAACH).

“Having observed the development and growth of COAACH, it is my honor to serve as the interim director,” said Martin. “COAACH is a wonderful asset for the university, local, state and national communities. I am committed to working with the excellent staff to continue to strengthen the ongoing outreach, support and research efforts.” 

Martin is an associate professor of biology in the College of Science and Technology (CoST). His primary research focuses on investigating the regulation of malignant brain, breast and prostate tumor formation, metastatic progression, and developing drugs that effectively inhibit tumor oncogenic characteristics. He also focuses on examining cancers that are more aggressive in African Americans. For example, he studies why African American women are affected at more significant numbers by breast cancer, and men by prostate cancer, than their counterparts.  

Martin is also the principal investigator of a National Institute of Health Bridges-to-the-Doctorate program in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, his research laboratory is developing a unique natural product extract that has been effective is decreasing aggressive brain and breast tumor growth and metastasis. His work has been featured in more than 25 news articles and related presentations.  

Prior to this appointment, Martin served as CoST’s interim associate dean, managing more than 150 full-time and adjunct faculty members across nine academic units, while fulfilling various administrative responsibilities, including the reorganization of the Applied Science and Technology Ph.D. program and serving as the SACSCOC accreditation liaison. 

In 2003, Martin became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in cell biology from the University of Virginia. He earned his B.S. in biology from Virginia University. 

Martin’s exceptional leadership, research and outreach skills will further COAACH’s work in the community, as it is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for African Americans and vulnerable communities living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, offering support to their families and caregivers through education and community engagement and advocacy.