Colum MacKinnon

Colum MacKinnon is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His research is centered on motor control, Parkinson's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on gait abnormalities, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He leads multiple NIH-funded research projects and is actively involved in clinical and translational neuroscience.

• University: University of Minnesota
• School: Medical School
• Department: Department of Neurology
• Academic Rank: Professor

His research interests include Parkinson's disease, motor control, neuroplasticity, freezing of gait, proprioception, and neuromodulation techniques such as DBS and TMS. He investigates the neural mechanisms underlying motor signs in neurodegeneration and develops technologies for monitoring and treating gait disorders.

The recent publications highlight a strong trajectory in clinical neuroscience, particularly in understanding motor rigidity, gait initiation, and the application of wearable monitoring systems. His work increasingly integrates large-scale clinical trials and multi-institutional collaborations, such as the North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy (NAPS) Consortium.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: Dr. MacKinnon serves as Principal Investigator (PI) on several NIH-funded projects, including:

• Neuroplasticity and Parkinsonian Motor Signs in iRBD
• Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise Phase 3 (SPARX3)
• Continuous Wearable Monitor for Freezing of Gait
• Sleep-specific DBS therapy in Parkinson's disease (as Co-Investigator)

These grants reflect his leadership in clinical trials, neurotechnology development, and pathophysiological research in Parkinson's disease.

Labs and Research Teams: He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across institutions, including Northwestern University and the NIH. His work is embedded in large consortia and involves engineers, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and data scientists focused on improving outcomes in movement disorders.