Eleven faculty members in the UAB Department of Neurology have been promoted effective Oct. 1, 2026.
“These promotions recognize the impressive achievements of our faculty who are working every day to discover new treatments and bring the best neurological care to the people of Alabama,” said David Standeart, M.D., Ph.D., professor and John N. Whitaker Endowed Chair of the Department of Neurology.
Congratulations to the following faculty members:
Shruti Agnihotri, M.D., Comprehensive Neurology
Promoted to professor
Agnihotri serves as director of UAB's Division of Comprehensive Neurology and is recognized for her expertise in neuroinfectious diseases, multiple sclerosis, and complex neurological disorders. Fellowship trained in both advanced general neurology and neuroinfectious disease, she is a scientist in the UAB Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for AIDS Research. Her work has advanced understanding of the neurological complications of infectious and immune-mediated diseases while strengthening the division's clinical and academic programs.
Zeenat Jaisani, M.D., Epilepsy
Promoted to professor
Jaisani is an epileptologist whose work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders and the advancement of epilepsy care. A faculty member in the UAB Epilepsy Center and an affiliate of the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, she has contributed to research efforts that bridge scientific discovery and patient care. Throughout her career at UAB, she has played an important role in the department's epilepsy program while mentoring residents and fellows.
A
my Knight, Ph.D., Neuropsychology
Promoted to professor
Knight is a clinical neuropsychologist whose research and clinical work focus on cognition, behavior, and quality of life in individuals with neurologic disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis. She holds appointments in both Neurology and Psychology and serves as a scientist in the UAB Multiple Sclerosis Center. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she has helped expand understanding of the cognitive and emotional impact of neurological disease and has been a leader in neuropsychological assessment and outcomes research.
Marissa N
atelson Love, M.D., Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology
Promoted to professor
Natelson Love is a cognitive and behavioral neurologist whose work centers on dementia, Alzheimer's disease, memory disorders, and healthy aging. She serves as Neurology's medical clerkship director and is actively involved with the UAB Alzheimer's Disease Center, Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Integrative Center for Aging Research, and Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences. In addition to her research contributions, she has played a key role in medical student education and in advancing awareness of neurodegenerative diseases.
Ashley T
homas, M.D., Epilepsy
Promoted to professor
Thomas is an epilepsy specialist who has dedicated her career to improving the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders. A UAB-trained neurologist and epileptologist, she serves as a scientist in both the UAB Epilepsy Center and Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences. Her contributions to clinical research, patient care, and trainee education have helped strengthen UAB's reputation as a regional leader in epilepsy treatment.
Larry Ver Hoef,
M.D., Epilepsy
Promoted to professor
Ver Hoef is an internationally recognized epileptologist and neuroimaging researcher whose work integrates neuroscience, engineering, and advanced brain imaging. He serves as associate director for clinical neuroscience in the Comprehensive Neuroscience Center and holds a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering. Board certified in neurology, epilepsy, and neuroimaging, Ver Hoef collaborates extensively with investigators across Alabama to better understand epilepsy, brain networks, and neurological disease.
Alissa Chitlangi
a, M.D., Consult Neurology
Promoted to associate professor
Chitlangia is a member of the Division of Consult Neurology and specializes in the care of hospitalized patients with acute and complex neurological disorders. After completing her residency and fellowship training at UAB, she joined the faculty in 2017 and has become an integral part of the department's inpatient neurology services. Her expertise supports timely diagnosis and management of a wide range of neurological conditions while contributing to resident and medical student education.
Victor Del Bene,
Ph.D., Neuropsychology
Promoted to associate professor
Del Bene is a clinical neuropsychologist whose research focuses on cognitive aging, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment. His work examines how medical conditions and social determinants of health influence brain health and neurodegenerative disease outcomes. He is affiliated with the UAB Alzheimer's Disease Center, Comprehensive Stroke Research Center, Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, where he contributes to multidisciplinary efforts aimed at improving cognitive health across the lifespan.
Rhoda Maron, D.O., Com
prehensive Neurology
Promoted to clinical associate professor
Maron is a comprehensive neurologist known for her commitment to patient advocacy and community engagement. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she founded Blazer Bolt, a nonprofit organization that supports brain cancer research and provides resources for patients and families receiving care through UAB and Children's of Alabama neuro-oncology programs. Her leadership has helped strengthen support services for patients facing neurologic disease while advancing philanthropic support for research.
Ben McCullough, M.D., Movement Dis
orders
Promoted to associate professor
McCullough is a movement disorders specialist whose clinical interests include Parkinson's disease, tremor, dystonia, and other neurodegenerative movement disorders. Following residency and fellowship training at UAB, he joined the faculty in 2017 and has become an important member of the department's movement disorders program. His work focuses on helping patients manage complex chronic neurological conditions while expanding access to specialized movement disorders care.
Quynh Vo, M.D., E
pilepsy
Promoted to associate professor
Vo is an epileptologist and associate scientist in the UAB Epilepsy Center who specializes in the treatment of patients with seizures and epilepsy. Since joining the faculty in 2020, she has contributed to the growth of the department's epilepsy services through patient care, collaborative research initiatives, and the education of medical students, residents, and fellows. Her efforts support UAB's longstanding leadership in comprehensive epilepsy care.