Massachusetts General Hospital

Research

I am a neurocritical care and acute stroke physicianwith research expertise in the medical genetics of complex diseases,specifically ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. My lab is dedicated to using genetic tools to explore the biology andpathophysiology that underlies acute brain injuries such as ischemic andhemorrhagic stroke, with the ultimate goal of identifying new drug targets tomodify risk of, and recovery from, these debilitating diseases.

Ihave been involved in a number of genome-wide association studies ofintracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke (led by Dr. Jonathan Rosand), andhave undertaken a key role in studies of the mitochondrial genome in ischemic stroke.  This research has led to the discovery ofnovel genes and pathways involved in stroke, and has raised new questionsregarding the role of energy metabolism in acute brain injury.  My current work is focused on the influenceof bioenergetics on the risk of stroke, particularly heritable differences inoxidative function.  I am also the MGHPrincipal Investigator for the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort(SHINE) Trial, a Phase 3 clinical trial, sponsored by the NIH, examining theimpact of intensive glucose control immediately following ischemic stroke onoutcome.