Donald A. Wilson

Donald A. Wilson is a Professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Department of Neuroscience at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from McMaster University and specializes in memory, perception (particularly olfaction), systems & cognitive neuroscience, and neuropathology across the lifespan. His research addresses neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, and the long-term impacts of developmental alcohol exposure.

Education:

• PhD from McMaster University

Research Interests: Dr. Wilson's work integrates systems neuroscience approaches to study olfactory threat memory, neural circuit dysfunction from developmental ethanol exposure, and neuroinflammation modulation in Alzheimer's. His lab investigates microglial responses, sleep disturbances from fetal alcohol syndrome, and behavioral/physiological consequences of early-life stress.

Key Themes in Publications: Recent work focuses on anti-inflammatory therapies for Alzheimer's, long-term effects of early-life stress on neurodevelopment, and neuroanatomical changes from developmental alcohol exposure. He explores both basic mechanisms (e.g., somatostatin neuron roles in cortical dysfunction) and translational applications (e.g., drug candidates like BL6 and BT75).

Awards: No specific awards listed, but his research has been highlighted in news stories about lithium chloride's effects on fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms and sleep changes from ethanol exposure.

Advising & Grants: While specific advisees/grant details aren't listed, his prolific publication record (224+ works) indicates significant collaborative research leadership. His work is supported by studies on animal models and translational drug testing.

Labs/Teams: Active in multidisciplinary teams studying neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative therapies at NYU Langone Health.