Dr. Michael Kawaja

Biography

Michael D. Kawaja is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Molecular Sciences at Queen's University. His research focuses on the nervous system's plasticity, particularly the structural and functional adaptations following injury and disease. Kawaja studies the role of growth factors and receptors in generating new axonal processes, aiming to understand the mechanisms behind aberrant growth of sympathetic axons in response to elevated levels of nerve growth factor (NGF). This includes examining the effects of peripheral nerve injury, which can lead to neuropathic pain, and spontaneous essential hypertension. His laboratory also investigates grafting various cell types into injured spinal cords in adult rats to enhance axonal growth and functional recovery. By employing conventional microscopic examination along with proteomics and transgenic technologies, Kawaja seeks to develop therapeutic strategies that can mitigate complications arising from peripheral nerve injuries and hypertensive conditions. Throughout his career, he has published numerous articles related to the interaction of neurotrophic factors and neural repair mechanisms, contributing significantly to the fields of neurobiology and regenerative medicine.

Research Interests

Experience