Biography

He received his Ph.D. in pharmacology- in 1975 from The Ohio State University with a major research interest in behavioral effects and biochemical mechanisms of central nervous system stimulants.

He continued his research and teaching career in the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas from 1975 until May, 1996. During that period, his research interests focused on CNS stimulants and he studied the mechanism by which these agents induce a "reverse tolerance" and thereby elicit the neurochemical basis for "stimulant-induced psychosis".

Since 1990, Dr. Riffee has concentrated his research and teaching efforts in the area of educational technology and its utility in the classroom. He is known nationally an innovator in the area of teaching and the use of television and computer-based presentation technology as well as the use of the computer as a learning tool. He has also been involved in the design and installation of electronic classrooms that incorporate video with computer workstations for student's use. He also chaired the Curriculum Committee of the College of Pharmacy of the University of Texas at Austin which implemented a dramatically new professional pharmacy curriculum in the Fall of 1996.

Since 1975, Dr. Riffee has been funded from the National Institutes of Mental Health and more recently through grants and contracts associated with teaching technology. Over the years, he has received nearly 2 million dollars in funding for his teaching and research efforts.

June 1, 1996, Dr. Riffee was named Dean and Professor, College of Pharmacy, The University of Florida. He continues his interest in educational technology as he pursues his work as an administrative officer of the University. In addition to serving as Dean, he is also a member of the Board of Directors of Shands HealthCare.