Curriculum Vitae

David Wayne Pittman, Ph.D.

Office Address

Department of Psychology, Wofford College 429 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303-3663(864) 597 – 4644 e-mail: pittmandw@wofford.edu

Education

Ph.D. (Neuroscience), The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL [August 2001]
MS (Psychology), The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL [April 1997]
BS (Psychology), Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC [May 1994]

Experience

Professor (Psychology), Wofford College [2015-present]
Program Coordinator (Neuroscience), Wofford College [2004-present]
Associate Professor (Psychology), Wofford College [2006-2015]
Assistant Professor (Psychology), Wofford College [2001-2006]
Instructor of Record (Psychology), The Florida State University [1999-2000]

Teaching

Annual Course Offerings

PSY230 – Biological Psychology (4 credits) Fall Semester
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.7 / 4.0
PSY315 – Sensation & Perception (4 credits) Spring Semester
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.5 / 4.0
PSY330 – Behavioral Neuroscience (3 credits) Spring Semester Rotation
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.7 / 4.0
PSY333 – Clinical Neuroscience (3 credits) Spring Semester Rotation
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.8 / 4.0
PSY351 – Psychopharmacology (3 credits) Spring Semester Rotation
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.7 / 4.0
PSY451 – Senior Research Thesis (4 credits) Fall Semester
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.9 / 4.0
NEUS321/2 – Neuroscience Seminar (1 credit)Fall & Spring Semesters
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.9 / 4.0

Occasional Course Offerings

PSY103 – Science in Context (3 credits)
PSY110 – Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.8 / 4.0
PSY150 – Introduction to Psychological Science (4 credits)
Average teaching evaluation score: 3.8 / 4.0
NEUS448 – Neuroscience Research Capstone (4 credits)

Interim Courses

During the month of January, professors at Wofford College offer a 4hr credit non-traditional course that examines a topic of interest at both academic and experiential levels.

The Art & Science of Craft Brewing [Interim 2019, 2020, 2021]
Thinking Like an Island: Sustainability Lessons from Hawaii for Spartanburg [Interim 2017]
Supervised Independent Research Projects in the Sciences [Interim 2009-2011, 2013-2016]
A Salty Piece of Land: the History of North Carolina and South Carolina Lighthouses [Interim 2006]
Becoming a Successful Caribbean Nation: the culture, politics, and economy of post-colonial Jamaica [Interim 2005]
The Psychology of Songwriting [Interim 2002-2004]

Guest Lectures

Abnormal Psychology, PSY220 [Spring 2006]
Does Taste Play a Role in Obesity? Alumni Lecture Series [Fall 2005]
Scientific and Literary Perspectives on Madness: Reality’s Dark Dream, HUM101Q/PSY104A [Fall 2002, Fall 2003, Fall 2004, Fall 2005]
The History of the Department of Psychology at Wofford College, Alumni Lecture Series [Fall 2004]
The Science of ‘Science Fiction’ HUM101D/PHY104 [Fall 2003]
Current Topics in Biology Seminar, BIO480 [Fall 2002, 2008]

Grants

NIH R01 Grant subaward, NIH-NIDCD [12/2020-11/2025] “Roles for Glucosensors in Taste Function” $2,070,695 Subaward funded $400,755.
Milliken Sustainability Grant, Romill Foundation [01/2017] “Thinking like an Island: Sustainability Lessons from Hawaii for Spartanburg” Funded $19,000
Wofford College Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Grant, Wofford College [06/2016-08/2015] “Identifying the functional role of forebrain projections to the parabrachial nucleus with regard to influences on taste perception” Funded $5,160.
Mary Black Foundation Healthy Eating and Active Living Grant, Mary Black Foundation [09/2015-08/2016] “Healthy Eating Decisions” Funded $25,000.
Wofford College Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Grant, Wofford College [06/2015-08/2015] “Identifying the functional role of forebrain projections to the parabrachial nucleus with regard to influences on taste perception” Funded $14,000.
Mary Black Foundation Healthy Eating and Active Living Grant, Mary Black Foundation [09/2014-08/2015] “Healthy Eating Decisions” Funded $80,478.
Wofford College Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Grant, Wofford College [06/2014-08/2014] “Influence of intraPBN injections of a GABA-A antagonist drug paired with systemic injection of a benzodiazepine on licking to appetitive and aversive tastants during both brief-access (15s) and long-term (1hr) test sessions” Funded $11,600.
NIH AREA R15 Grant, NIH-NIDCD [09/2012-08/2015] “Role of Parabrachial Nucleus Benzodiazepines in Gustatory Coding and Behavior” Funded $395,468.
Roger Milliken Award for Excellence in Teaching Science, Wofford College [2011] Funded $50,000 for faculty development.
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation Grant, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation [05/10-05/011] “Healthy Eating Decisions Program.” Funded $8,670.
Spartanburg Community Indicators Project Mini-Grant, Spartanburg Community Indicators Project [02/10-08/10] “Healthy Eating Decisions Program.” Funded $2,000.
Faculty Research Mentor, Wofford Community of Scholars [06/08-08/08] “The effect of a high-fat diet on gustatory responses to fatty acids in obese-prone and obese-resistant rats.” Funded $4,000.
Faculty Research Mentor, Wofford Community of Scholars [06/06-08/06] “The effect of benzodiazepines on afferent taste neural signals in rats.” Funded $4,000.
Mellon-8 Faculty Partnership Award, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation [01/06-06/07] “Effects of brain galanin injections on neurophysiological and behavioral orosensory detection and coding of oral fats.” Funded collaboration with Prof. Baird at Amherst College. $3,000.
Faculty Summer Research Grant, Wofford College [06/05-08/05] “Electrophysiological examination of the chorda tympani nerve responsiveness to free fatty acid stimulation.” Funded $3000.
Faculty Summer Research Grant, Wofford College [06/2004-08/2004] “Modulation of taste intensity by oleic acid in rats.” Funded $4000.
Faculty Summer Research Grant, Wofford College [06/2002-08/2002] “Detection of Dietary Fat by the Gustatory System: Behavioral Gustatory Properties of Linoleic Acid.” Funded $3100.

Awards

Alumnus Advisor of the Year Award, For outstanding work in the advising of undergraduate members of the Alpha Nu chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Wofford College [2019]
Currie B. Spivey Award, In recognition of work in the area of volunteerism that has been truly exemplary. For scholarship that improves the quality of people’s lives, Wofford College [2016-2017]
Graduate of Distinction, Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University [2013-2014]
Phi Beta Kappa, Wofford College [elected in 2013]
Roger Milliken Award for Excellence in Teaching Science, Wofford College [2011] Awarded $50,000 for faculty development.
Contributor, 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, Corporation for National and Community Service [February 25, 2010]
Outstanding Alumnus Advisor, Kappa Sigma Fraternity [2011 & 2013-2015]
Greek Life Faculty Member of the Year, Wofford College [2004, 2012, 2013, 2016]
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, Program for Instructional Excellence, The Florida State University [2001]
Neuroscience Achievement Award, Bryan Robinson Memorial Endowment for the Neurosciences [06/1999-06/2000]
Neuroscience Achievement Award, Bryan Robinson Memorial Endowment for the Neurosciences [06/1998-06/1999]
Academic Major Award (psychology), Wofford College [1994]

Fellowships

Neuroscience Fellowship, Bryan Robinson Memorial Endowment for the Neurosciences [06/2000-06/2001]
Neuroscience Fellowship, The Florida State University [06/99-06/01]
Graduate Fellowship, N.I.H. Chemical Senses Training Grant, The Florida State University [08/1995-06/1999]

Publications ~ Link to all publications on NCBI

Peer Reviewed Articles Wofford student co-authors shown in blue

Journal Impact Factors > 3 represent the top 20% of journals > 4 represent top 10% of journals

Chometton, S., Jung, A., Mai, L., Dal Bon, T., Osorio Ramirez, A., Pittman, D.W., Schier. L.A. (2022) A Glucokinase-linked Sensor in the Taste System Contributes to Glucose Appetite. Molecular Metabolism, in press, 101554. Link to Article Journal Impact Factor: 8.568
Pittman, D.W., McGinnis, M.M., Liddy, C., Richardson, L.M., Ellison, Z.T., Baird, J.P. (2022) Further disentangling the motivational processes underlying benzodiazepine hyperphagia. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior (218) 173426 Link to Article Journal Impact Factor: 3.697
Pittman, D.W., Dong, G., Brantly, A.M., He, L., Nelson, T.S., Kogan, S., Powell, J., McCluskey, L.P. (2020) Behavioral and neurophysiological taste responses to sweet and salt are diminished in a model of subclinical intestinal inflammation. Scientific Reports (10) 17611 Link to Article Journal Impact Factor: 5.516
Nelson, T.S., Holstein, S.E., Baird, J.P., Pittman, D.W. (2019) Selective stimulation of central GABA-A α2,3,5 receptors increases intake and motivation to consume sucrose solution in rats. Neuroscience (409) 111-119. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.708
Pittman, D.W., Bland, I.R., Cabrera, I.D., Franck, K.E., Perkins, E.L., Schmidt, N.A., Allen, H.N., Atkins, S.R., Pittman, S.N. (2018) The Boss’ Healthy Buddies nutrition resource is effective for elementary school students. Journal of Obesity: School-Interventions and Programs to Address Weight Issues Volume 2018, Article 4659874, 10 pages. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.48
Pittman, D.W., Brantly, A.M., Drobonick, A.L., King, H.T., Mesta, D.C., Richards, C.G., Lal, M., Lai, M (2018) The palatability of lopinavir and ritonavir delivered by an innovative freeze-dried fast-dissolving tablet formulation. AIDS Research and Treatment Volume 2018, Article ID 5908167, 13 pages. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 2.357
Pittman, D.W., Hansen, D., Gilbertson, T.A. (2015) High-fat diet alters the sensitivity to fatty acids in obesity-resistant but not obesity-prone rats. Journal of Molecular and Genetic Medicine May: 9(2): 168. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 4.985
Pittman, D.W. (2012) Ring My Bell: The Healthy Eating Decisions Program. Childhood Obesity Jun; 8(3): 255-259. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 2.867
Pittman, D.W., McGinnis, M.R., Richardson, L.M., Miller, E.J., Alimohamed, M.L., Baird, J.P. (2012) Multiple Processes Underlie Benzodiazepine-Mediated Increases in the Consumption of Accepted and Avoided Stimuli. Chemical Senses Jun; 37(5): 431-44. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 4.985
Pittman, D.W., Parker, J., Getz, B.R., Jackson, C.M., Le, T.P., Riggs, S.R., Shay, J.M.(2011) Cost-free and Sustainable Incentive Increases Healthy Eating Decisions during Elementary School Lunch. International Journal of Obesity (London), 36(1):76-79. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 5.095
Pittman,D.W. (2010) Role of the Gustatory System in Fatty Acid Detection in Rats. In Montmayeur, J.-P. and le Coutre,J. (eds.), Fat Detection: Taste, Texture, and Post Ingestive Effects. CRC Press, Boca Raton (FL), pp. 105-122. Link to article
Pittman, D.W., Smith, K.R., Crawley, M.E., Corbin, C.H., Hansen, D., Frasier, K., Gilbertson, T.A. Orosensory detection of fatty acids in obesity-prone and -resistant rats: Strain and sex differences. Chemical Senses, 2008, Jun; 33(5):449-60. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 4.985
Pittman, D.W., Crawley, M.E., Corbin, C.H., and Smith, K.R. Chorda tympani nerve transection impairs the gustatory detection of free fatty acids in male and female rats . Brain Research, 2007, Jun 2; 1151: 74-83. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.252
Pittman, D.W., Labban, C.E., Anderson, A.A., and O’Connor, H.E. Linoleic and Oleic Acid Alter the Licking Responses to Sweet, Salt, Sour, and Bitter Tastants in Rats. Chemical Senses, 2006, 31: 835-843. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 4.985
McCormack, D.N., Clyburn, V.L.,and Pittman, D.W. Detection of Free Fatty Acids following a Conditioned Taste Aversion in Rats. Physiology & Behavior, 2006, 87(3): 582-594. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.244
Houpt T. A., Pittman D. W., Riccardi, C., Cassell, J.A., Lockwood, D.R., Barranco, J. M., Kwon, B., and Smith J.C. Behavioral effects on rats of high strength magnetic fields generated by a resistive electromagnet. Physiology & Behavior, 2005, 86(3): 379-389. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.742
Houpt T. A., Pittman D. W., Barranco, J. M., Brooks, E. H., and Smith J.C. Behavioral effects of high strength static magnetic fields on rats. Journal of Neuroscience, Feb 15, 2003, 23(4):1498 –1505. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 6.709
Pittman, D.W. and Contreras, R.J. Rearing on basal or high dietary NaCl modifies chorda tympani nerve responses in rats. Physiology & Behavior, 2002, 77(2-3): 277-289. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.742
Pittman, D.W. and Contreras, R.J. Dietary NaCl influences the organization of chorda tympani neurons projecting to the nucleus of the solitary tract in rats. Chemical Senses, 2002, 27: 333-341. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 4.985
Pittman, D.W. and Contreras, R.J. Responses of single lingual nerve fibers to thermal and chemical stimulation. Brain Research, 1998, 790(1-2): 224-235. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.252
Nolte, C.M., Pittman, D.W., Kalevitch, B., Henderson, R. and Smith, J.C. Magnetic field conditioned taste aversion in rats. Physiology & Behavior, 1998, 63(4): 683-688. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 3.742
Lundy, R.F. Jr, Pittman, D.W. and Contreras, R.J. Role for epithelial Na+ channels and putative Na+/H+ exchangers in salt taste transduction in rats. American Journal of Physiology, 1997, 273: R1923-R1931. Link to article Journal Impact Factor: 6.380

Books

Pittman, D.W. (2009) Chapter 4: Role of the gustatory system in fatty acid detection in rats. Fat Detection: Taste, Texture, and Post Ingestive Effects (Frontiers in Neuroscience)
Pittman D. W. (2005) Instructor’s Resource Manual for Discovering Biological Psychology by Laura Freberg. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. Link to textbook site

Research Articles

Pittman D. W. and Scott D. M. Motor system tremors due to variations in tactile surface. Proceedings: Eighth National Conference on Undergraduate Research, 1994. Robert D. Yearout, ed. (391-395) UNCA: Asheville, NC.
Pittman D. W. and Scott D. M. Effects of lever surface conditions on tremors. Proceedings: Seventh National Conference on Undergraduate Research, 1993. Robert D. Yearout, ed. (407-411) UNCA: Asheville, NC.

Invited Research Presentations

Pittman, D. W. The Role of REM and NON-REM Sleep in Learning, Memory Formation, Emotional IQ, PTSD, and Depression. Research Colloquium, University of the Virgin Islands [May 22, 2023]
Pittman, D. W. Anti-anxiety medications increase food palatability leading to weight gain. INBRE Summer Research Fellows’ Seminars, Converse College [June 24, 2016]
Pittman, D. W. Cravings & Aversions: Making sense of taste preferences. Faculty Research Lecture Series, Wofford College [Nov. 17, 2015]
Pittman, D. W. Oleogustus: the new sixth gustatory category describing the taste of fat. Research Colloquium, Western Carolina University, Department of Psychology [Sept. 23, 2015]
Pittman, D. W. Enhancing Taste Palatability: GABA-A modulation of afferent gustatory signals within the Parabrachial Nucleus. Graduate of Distinction Colloquium, The Florida State University Program in Neuroscience [Jan. 15, 2014]
Pittman, D. W. Enhancing Taste Palatability: GABA-A modulation of afferent gustatory signals within the Parabrachial Nucleus. Faculty Research Seminar, Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy [Feb. 25, 2014]
Pittman, D. W. Using Psychology to Improve Your Community: The Healthy Eating Decisions Program. Keynote Address South Carolina Psychology Association Academic Day. College of Charleston [2012]
Pittman, D. W. Oral Detection of Fatty Acids by Rats. Making Sense of Fat Taste Symposium. 31st Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences [2009]
Pittman, D. W. What is “good” sleep and why do you need it? Panelist, Converse College Wellness Program [2008]
Pittman, D. W. Sensory Cues for Dietary Fat: Behavioral Evidence of Gustatory Detection. 7^thInternational Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium [2007] Link to slides
Pittman, D. W. Identifying the Taste of Fat. Faculty Research Lecture Series, Wofford College [2003]
Pittman, D. W. Salt & fat taste: The appeal of french fries. Invited speaker, Bryan Robinson Neuroscience Foundation Dinner, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital [2000]
Pittman, D. W. The taste of fat. Howard Baker Research Seminar, The Florida State University [2000]

Community Presentations

Seeing is Deceiving: Do you believe your eyes? Elementary School Science Enrichment Workshops [January 2013-2022]
Your Brain & Drugs Middle School & High School 4-week Educational Series [September- October 2015]
Making Healthy Eating Decisions during Your Lunch, Elementary School Educational Workshops [Fall 2010]
Using Science to Shape Behavior, West View Elementary School Science Club. [February 16, 2010]
Your Brain & You, Brain awareness presentation for preschool and elementary-school aged children. [2007, 2009]
Science & Religion, Facts and Faith do not have to conflict. Workshop for Adult Christian Formation class. [2009]
The Adolescent Brain, Brain awareness presentation for parents of adolescents. [2008]

Conference Presentations

Wofford student co-authors shown in blue

Pittman, D.W., Adkins, T., Dickerson, D., and Schier, L.A. (2023) Sugar Exposure Selectively Increases Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Responses to Glucose in C57BL/6J Mice. Forty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences.
Pittman, D.W., Brantly, A.M., Nelson, T.S., Dong, G., He, L., Kogan, S., Powell, J., McCluskey, L.P. (2020) Enteral Lipopolysaccharide Alters Neurophysiological and Behavioral Taste Responses in Mice. The Eighteenth International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste. Chem. Senses, Volume 45, Issue 8, October 2020, Page 796.
Franck, K.E., Pittman, D.W. (2018) The effectiveness of Boss’ Healthy Buddies nutritional program in elementary school students. Fourteenth Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium. Proceedings: 237-239.
Pittman, D.W., Brantly, A.M., Drobonick, A.L., King, H.T., Mesta, D.C., Richards, C.G., Manjari, L. & Manshun, L. (2017) Baby food but not 25% sucrose increases the palatability of antiretroviral pharmaceuticals delivered by an innovative freeze dried fast-dissolving tablet formulation to rats. Thirty-Ninth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Chem. Senses.
Hamel, E., Drobonick, A., Owen, T., Brantly, A.M., Pittman, D.W. (2017) The Effect of Central Amygdala Activation within the Parabrachial Nucleus Coupled with Modulation of GABA on Ingestive Behavior in Rats. Thirteenth Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium. Proceedings: 151-153.
McCluskey, L.P., Lianying, H., Nelson, T. & Pittman, D.W. (2016) Inhibition of Neurophysiological and Behavioral Responses to Sweet Stimuli by Gastrointestinal LPS. Thirty-Eighth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Chem. Senses 41 (7): E9.
Pittman, D.W., Brantly, A., Hall, T., Franck, K., Addison, I., Berwaldt, E., Bowie, R., King, L., Shelnutt, L., Baird, J.P. (2016) Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) Inactivation of Forebrain Inputs to the Parabrachial Nucleus in Rats Reveals Dissociable Contributions to Benzodiazepine Hyperphagia in Rats. Thirty-Eighth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Chem. Senses 41 (7): E56.
Pittman, D.W., Pittman, S.B., Atkins, S.R., Kaiser, C. (2015) Healthy Eating Decisions: A school-based intervention to reduce childhood obesity. Twenty-seventh Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychological Science.
Pittman, D.W., Holstein, S.E., Atkins, S.R, Nelson, T.S., Pence, L.J., Smith, K.A., Brantly, A.M., Evans, S. M., Sidden, E.A., Smith A.L., Baird, J.P. (2014) Stimulation of GABA-A in the Parabrachial Nucleus Enhances Taste Palatability during Long-term and Brief-access Testing in Rats. Thirty-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences.
Baird, J.P., Swick, J., Nelson, T.S., Holstein, S.E., Pittman, D.W. (2014) Selective stimulation of GABA-Aα2/3 receptors increases intake and motivation to consume sucrose solution in rats. Thirty-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences.
Pittman, D.W., Baird, J.P. (2013) Anti-anxiety medications increase food palatability leading to weight gain. Twenty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychological Science.
Baird, J.P., Swick, J., Dixit, S., Scott, J., Pittman, D.W.(2013) Parabrachial Nucleus Contributions to Benzodiazepine Hyperphagia. Twenty-First Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior.
Pittman, D.W., Neill, P.H., Schecter, M.H., Rankin, I.D., Baird, J.P.(2011) Benzodiazepines selectively increase brief-access licking for gustatory stimuli independent of influences on motivational state. Thirty-Third Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Senses 36(9): A75.
Baird, J.P., Mansur, A., Pittman, D.W.(2011) Parabrachial benzodiazepine receptor antagonist effects on licking for sucrose. Thirty-Third Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Chem. Senses 36(9): A76.
Pittman, D.W., Quedenfeld, H.B., Nill, C.A. (2010) Preference of the Fatty Acids Linoleate and Oleate during Long-Term 2-Bottle Tests. Thirty-Second Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Chem. Senses 35(7): A97.
Pittman, D.W. (2009) Oral Detection of Fatty Acids by Rats. Thirty-First Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Senses34(7): A12.
Smith, K.R., Pittman, D.W. (2009) Sweet Stimuli Elicit Differential Responses in the Chorda Tympani Nerve of Obesity-resistant Rats Compared to Obesity-prone Rats. Thirty-First Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Senses 34(7): A42.
Pittman, D.W. McGinnis, M.M., Richardson, L.M., Miller, E.P., Baird, J.P. (2009) GABA-A Receptor Activation Influences Consumption of Appetitive and Aversive Tastants. Thirty-First Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Senses 34(7): A40.
Pittman, D.W. (2009) Evidence of a new taste sensation for dietary fat. Fifth Annual South Carolina Upstate Research Symposium.
Pittman, D.W., Farr, I.E., Dinnen, H.L., Baird, J.P. (2008) Behavioral evidence of benzodiazepine-induced alterations of the gustatory evaluation of accepted and aversive taste stimuli. Thirtieth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences and Fifteenth International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste. Senses 33(8): S100.
Tran, A., Pittman, D.W., Baird, J.P. (2008) Role of central opioids in benzodiazepine modulation of gustatory behavior. Thirtieth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences and Fifteenth International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste. Senses33(8): S98.
Pittman, D.W., Smith, K.R., Crawley, M.E., Corbin, C.H., Hansen, D., Frasier, K., Gilbertson, T.A. (2007) Fatty acid taste in obesity-prone and –resistant rats: Strain and sex differences. Twenty-ninth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 32(6): A26.
Pittman, D.W. (2006) Evidence for a New Taste Sensation involving Dietary Fat. Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychological Science. Link
Adamson, A., Bramlett, M., Evans, S., Gasque, L., Lister, R., Pittman, D.W. (2006) Brief Stimulus Presentations Permit Gustatory Detection of Linoleic Acid but not Oleic Acid in Rats. Twenty-eighth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Chem. Senses 31(5): A122.
Labban, C.E., Anderson, A.A., O’Connor, H.E., Pittman, D.W. (2005) Oleic and linoleic acid alters licking responses to sweet, sour, and salt tastants in rats. Twenty-seventh Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 30(5): A65.
Harris, L.E., Murchison, L.H., Shields, S.V., Wallace, J.L., Pittman, D.W. (2005) The role of the chorda tympani nerve in the detection of free fatty acids in rats. Twenty-seventh Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 30(5): A66.
Clyburn, V.L., Pittman, D.W. (2004) Gustatory detection of oleic acid and stimulus generalization to linoleic acid in rats. Twenty-sixth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses30(3): A8.
McCormack, D. N., Herzog, P., Webster, K. L., and Pittman, D. W. (2003) Gustatory detection of a free fatty acid, linoleic acid, by rats. Twenty-fifth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 28: A91.
Herzog, P., McCormack, D. N., Webster, K. L., and Pittman, D. W. (2003) Linoleic acid alters licking responses to sweet, sour, and salt tastants in rats. Twenty-fifth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 28: A92.
Pittman, D. W., Contreras, R. J. (2001) Amiloride-sensitive component of the chorda tympani nerve response reduced by low NaCl diet in adult rats. Twenty-third Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 26: 1072.
Pittman, D. W., Curtis, K., Brooks, E., Krause, E., Smith, J.C., Contreras, R. J. (2000) Detection of dietary fat by the gustatory system: Behavioral and electrophysiological properties of linoleic acid in rats. Twenty-second Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 25: 661.
Pittman, D. W., Rathmann, K.R., Contreras, R. J. (1999) Characterization of the chorda tympani nerve terminal field in the rat nucleus of the solitary tract with anterograde DiI transport. Twenty-first Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 24: 547.
Pittman, D. W., Contreras, R. J. (1998) The influence of perinatal NaCl intake on chorda tympani responses to NaCl, KCl, and Q-HCl with and without amiloride in rats. Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 23: 617.
Pittman, D. W., Nolte, C. M., Henderson, R., and Smith, J.C. (1997) Magnet induced conditioned taste aversion in rats. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts 23: 1347.
Pittman, D. W., Contreras R. J. (1997) Responses of trigeminal nerve fibers to thermal and chemical stimulation in rats. Nineteenth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences and Twelfth International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste, Senses 22: 769.
Lundy Jr., R. F., Pittman, D. W., and Contreras, R. J. (1996) Dose-response analysis of the amiloride-sensitive component of taste nerve responses to sodium and non-sodium salts in rats. Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Senses 21: 637.

Press & Media Appearances

Press Release for community research to influence eating habits of elementary age children as a means to reduce childhood obesity
Press Release for laboratory research on the effect of benzodiazepines on taste and ingestive behavior.
Press Release for laboratory research on the taste of fat.
Herald-Journal Wofford professor breaks down Yanny/Laurel viral video. Spartanburg, SC [May 17, 2018] Link to article
WSPA-TV Channel 7 News Upstate Professor to study weight gain, anti-anxiety drug connection. Spartanburg, SC [Sept. 7, 2012] Link to video clip
Herald-Journal Wofford professor explores obesity causes. Spartanburg, SC [Sept. 7, 2012] Link to article
The Item Oakland Primary celebrates eating healthful foods. Sumter, SC [May 29, 2012] Link to article
Herald-Journal Program helps educate Spartanburg area kids about eating healthy. Spartanburg, SC [Feb. 4, 2012] Link to article
Healthy Eating Decisions program helps to reduce childhood obesityNews-Medical.Net Internet distributor of health news [Oct. 12, 2011] Link to article
WHNS-TV Fox Carolina News Chocolate Milk Creates Debate in School Lunch Line. Greenville, SC [May 12, 2011] Link to video clip
IDEA Fitness Journal Magazine Empowering Kids to Make Healthy Choices. IDEA Health and Fitness Association, San Diego, CA [Page 70, January, 2011] Link to article
Public Management Spartanburg and its Partners Focus on Obesity. ICMA, Washington, D.C. [Page 20, December, 2010] Link to article
WOLT-FM Awake with Drake Healthy Eating Decisions Program Interview. Spartanburg, SC [August 31, 2010] Link to mp3 audio clip
WSPA-TV Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly Strawberry, Vanilla or Chocolate, which flavor milk has the most sugar? Greenville, SC [August 10, 2010] Link to video clip
WYFF-TV Channel 4 News Kids Get Lunch Tips From College Professor. Free program to be offered to all Spartanburg County Elementary students. Greenville, SC [August 6, 2010] Link to video clip Link to article
Herald-Journal Districts embrace healthy eating program Spartanburg, SC [Page C1, August 15, 2010] Link to article
Spartanburg Journal Kids give chocolate milk a pass. Spartanburg, SC [Page 7, January, 1, 2010] Link to article
Wofford Today Healthy serving of education, praise lead to healthy eating. Spartanburg, SC [Winter, 2009] Link to article
Spartanburg Journal This Week in Photos – Coverage of Education Day for Healthy Decisions Research Initiative at Jesse Boyd Elementary School Spartanburg, SC [Page 18, December 4, 2009] Link to article
Herald-Journal Newspaper Article– A Healthy Alternative: More Jesse Boyd Students Choosing Milk Mustaches. Spartanburg, SC [Page A1 & A7, November 23, 2009] Link to article
Wofford Today David Pittman, mentor by example. Spartanburg, SC [Spring, 2009] Link to article
Wofford Today Pittman and student researchers tackle obesity epidemic. Spartanburg, SC [Summer, 2006] Link to article
WHNS-TV Fox Carolina News Does fat have a taste? That’s what one upstate professor is out to prove. Greenville, SC [July 17, 2006] Link to video clip
WOLT-FM Awake with Drake Community of Scholars Research Interview. Spartanburg, SC [June 16, 2006] Link to mp3 audio clip
Herald-Journal Newspaper Article– Could taste make a fat rat pig out? Spartanburg, SC [Page B1, June 12, 2006] Link to article

Directed Student Research Theses

The effectiveness of Boss’ Healthy Buddies Nutritional Program in Elementary School Students. [Fall 2017]
The palatability of freeze dried tablets containing LPV/r (HIV antiretroviral drug) and their ability to be masked by sucrose. [Fall 2016]
Influence of central amygdala projections to the parabrachial nucleus on licking to sweet tastants in long-term (1hr) test sessions. [Fall 2015]
Influence of intraPBN injections of CDP on licking to sweet, sour, salt, and bitter tastants during brief-access (15s) trials. [Spring 2014]
The Effect of the Benzodiazepine Chlordiazepoxide on the Palatability of Sweet Tastants in Rats. [Fall 2012]
Fatty Acids Enhance the Perceived Taste Intensity of Non-nutritive Sweeteners, Saccharin & Sucralose, in Male and Female Rats. [Fall 2011]
CDP Increases Ingestion and Alters Taste Palatability across Specific Tastants in Rats. [Fall 2010]
Making Healthy Choices: an intervention to improve healthy eating during elementary school lunch service. [Fall 2009-Spring 2010]
GABAergic Influences Increase Ingestion across All Categories of Tastants. [Fall 2008]
Characterization of the afferent gustatory responsiveness of the chorda tympani nerve to tastants with and without linoleic acid in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant rat strains. [Fall 2007 – Spring 2008]
Effect of Benzodiazepines on Ingestive Behavior. [Fall 2007]
Differential Sensitivities to Linoleic Acid in Male and Female Rats. [Fall 2006]
The Role of the Chorda Tympani Nerve in the Gustatory Detection of Free Fatty Acids. [Fall 2005]
The Role of the Chorda Tympani Nerve in the Gustatory Detection of Linoleic Acid. [Fall 2004]
Gustatory Detection and Discrimination between Free Fatty Acids in Rats. [Fall 2003]
Influence of Linoleic Acid on Human Taste Intensity. [Spring 2003]
Taste Modulation by Linoleic Acid in Rats. [Fall 2002]
Gustatory detection of linoleic acid by conditioned taste aversion in rats. [Spring 2002]

Research Mentoring

Histological verification of targeting the amygdala with DREADD and the parabrachial nucleus with CNO activating chemicals in rats. [Interim & Spring 2018]
Ingestion of lipopolysaccharides selectively reduces licking to sweet taste stimuli without affecting any other taste categories. Collaboration with Augusta University [Spring 2017]
Identifying the functional role of forebrain projections to the parabrachial nucleus with regard to influences on taste perception. Independent Student Research – [Interim 2017]
Characterizing the palatability of a new HIV antiretroviral drug for pediatric patients in Africa & Asia. Collaboration with PATH pharmaceuticals [Summer-Fall 2016]
Identifying the functional role of forebrain projections to the parabrachial nucleus with regard to influences on taste perception. Independent Student Research [August 2015 – April 2016]
Influence of intraPBN injections of a GABA-A antagonist drug paired with systemic injection of a benzodiazepine on licking to appetitive and aversive tastants during both brief-access (15s) and long-term (1hr) test sessions. Independent Student Research [Summer 2014 – January 2015]
Influence of intraPBN injections of CDP on licking to saccharin, sucrose, NaCl, citric acid, MSG, and quinine-HCl tastants during long-term (1hr) test sessions. Independent Student Research [January 2014]
Influence of intraPBN injections of CDP on licking to sweet, umami, sour, salt, and bitter tastants during long-term (1hr) test session. Independent Student Research[Fall 2013]
Influence of intraPBN injections of CDP on licking to sweet, sour, salt, and bitter tastants during brief-access (15s) trials. Independent Student Research [Summer 2013]
Production of fatty acids from corn oil within the human oral cavity. Independent Student Research Project[January 2013]
Bilateral Cannulations in the Parabrachial Nucleus of Rats. Independent Student Research Project[January 2013]
Production of fatty acids from corn oil within the human oral cavity. Independent Student Research Project[Spring 2011]
Preference for fatty acids, linoleate or oleate, during 24-hr consumption test sessions. Independent Student Research Project[Fall 2009-Spring 2010]
Does adding the fatty acids, linoleate or oleate, to tastant solutions alter 24-hr consumption patterns? Wofford Community of Scholars[Summer 2009]
How water-replete rats respond to different tastes under the influence of benzodiazepines. Wofford Community of Scholars[Summer 2008]
How water-deprived rats respond to different tastes under the influence of benzodiazepines. Wofford Community of Scholars[Summer 2008]
Influence of a high-fat diet on the detection thresholds for avoiding linoleic acid following a conditioned taste aversion in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant rats. [Spring 2008]
Influence of benzodiazepines on sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste in obese-prone and obese-resistant rats. Independent Student Research Project [Spring & Summer 2006]
Detection threshold for avoidance of linoleic acid and stimulus generalization to other free fatty acids following a conditioned taste aversion as assessed by short-duration stimulus access in rats. Wofford Community of Scholars[Summer 2006]
Detection threshold for avoidance of oleic acid and stimulus generalization to other free fatty acids following a conditioned taste aversion as assessed by short-duration stimulus access in rats. Wofford Community of Scholars[Summer 2006]
Modulation of taste intensity by a free fatty acid, oleic acid, in rats: Can dietary fat influence the intensity of other tastes? South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities Research Program[Summer 2004]
The role of the chorda tympani nerve in the detection of linoleic acid. South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities Research Program [Summer 2002]
The modulation of sweet taste by a free fatty acid (linoleic acid). South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities Research Program [Summer 2002]
The role of linoleic acid in the gustatory perception of fat. South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Summer Program for Research Interns [Summer 2002]

Academic Service

Program Coordinator, Program in Neuroscience, Wofford College [2004 – present]
Chair, Rank and Tenure Committee, Wofford College [2018 – present]
Chair, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Wofford College [2002 – present]
Member, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Converse College [2014 – present]
Faculty Advisor, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Wofford College [2002 – present]

Previous Academic Service

Chair, Rank and Tenure Committee, Wofford College [2017 – 2018]
Member, Academic Planning and Research Committee, Wofford College [2018 – 2020]
Chair, Curriculum Committee, Wofford College [2015 – 2016]
Member, Curriculum Committee, Wofford College [2012 – 2015]
Member, Task Force to Examine Greek Life Recruitment, Wofford College [2014 – 2015]
Co-Chair, Strategic Planning Working Group “Developing Leaders for the 21^st Century”, Wofford College [2014]
Member, Campus Map and Planning Committee, Wofford College [Summer 2014]
Member, Task Force for a new Greek Village, Wofford College [2010-2014]
Faculty Advisor, Psychology Kingdom Student Organization, Wofford College [2002 – 2014]
Member, Spartanburg County Childhood Obesity Task Force [2009-2017]
Guest Lecturer, Spartanburg Citizen Scholars Camp [2004, 2009]
Chair, ad-hoc Alcohol and Drug Policy Committee, Wofford College [2005, 2007, 2009]
Faculty Representative, Board of Trustees Information Technology Committee, Wofford College [2006 – 2008]
Member, Information Technology Advisory Committee [2003 – 2008]
Chair, ad-hoc NCAA Governance & Rules Compliance Committee, Wofford College [2006-2007]
Chair, Information Technology Advisory Committee, Wofford College [2005 – 2006]
Member, ad-hoc General Education Program and Requirements Task Force, Wofford College [2004]
Member, ad-hoc Alcohol and Drug Policy Committee, Wofford College [2003]
Judge Captain, Piedmont Region III Science Fair,[2003, 2005-2007]
Judge, Spartanburg Public School Science Fair, [2002, 2004-2005, 2007]
College Representative, Third Annual Institute on Learning Communities, Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA [2003]

Membership in Professional Organizations

AChemS, Association for Chemoreception Sciences [1995 – present]
Society for Neuroscience [1996 – present]
Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience[2002 – present]
APS, Association for Psychological Science [2004 – present]
AAAS, American Association for the Advancement of Science [1998 – present]
Sigma Xi [1993 – present]
The Obesity Society [2015 – 2016]