Walter J. Atwood

Walter J. Atwood is the Viatris Professor of Biology and Medicine at Brown University, with secondary appointments in Neurology. He chairs the Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry and has held academic roles since 1995, including Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor.

• Education: B.S. Microbiology (1986), Ph.D. Neurovirology (1991) from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
• Key Affiliations: American Society for Virology, International Society for NeuroVirology (founding member), Sigma Xi, and American Society for Cell Biology.

Atwood’s lab focuses on JCPyV and BKPyV, studying their receptor interactions, endocytic trafficking, neurotropism, and therapeutic inhibition. His work spans virology, neuroscience, and molecular biology, with a particular emphasis on Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) and polyomavirus nephropathy. Recent research explores extracellular vesicle-mediated infection, serotonin receptor dynamics, and antiviral compound development.

His 15 most recent publications (2020–2023) highlight themes in viral infection mechanisms, receptor biology, antiviral therapies, and neurovirology. Collaborative efforts span virology, molecular biology, and neuroscience, including co-authors from Brown’s Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry and Neuroscience.

• Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award, editorial board memberships, and patent holder for antiviral compounds.
• Grants: Principal Investigator for NIH R35-NS116836-01: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: Endemic viruses and lethal brain disease (2020–2028).