Michael Bienkowski

Michael Bienkowski is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Department of Physiology and Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering. He leads the translational research laboratory, the USC Center for Integrative Connectomics, which focuses on advancing connectomics and transcriptomics approaches to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and retinal degeneration. His work emphasizes cell-type specific analysis of gene expression and connectivity in rodent and human brain tissues, aiming to create translational cell type atlases for guiding clinical drug development and optimizing treatment strategies at progressive disease stages.

His research interests span neurodegenerative diseases, cell biology, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality (Schol-AR) for enhancing data accessibility in scientific publications. This innovation allows direct embedding of datasets and interactive visualizations within papers, revolutionizing how neuroscientific findings are communicated.

Recent publications highlight advancements in axon regeneration therapies, microglia classification in Alzheimer’s cases, and the application of machine learning to predict cognitive impairment via hippocampal subregion analysis. His work on mouse models (e.g., 5xFAD mice) elucidates disease mechanisms in structures like the subiculum and basal ganglia networks, providing insights into neurodegeneration progression.

Dr. Bienkowski is part of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at USC and collaborates with institutions such as CTSI (Clinical and Translational Science Institute). No scientific awards or part-time roles are explicitly mentioned in the provided information. His advising and grants activities are not detailed here, though his lab’s translational focus suggests active grant-supported research.