Dimitrios Davalos

Dimitrios Davalos, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. His work bridges neuroimmunology and advanced imaging to investigate central nervous system homeostasis and pathology.

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Biology from National University of Athens (2000)
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Physiology from New York University School of Medicine (2005)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of California, San Diego (2008)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, UCSF (2010)

Dr. Davalos pioneered in vivo microglial imaging, demonstrating their continuous brain surveillance and rapid injury response. His research focuses on neuro-immune mechanisms in blood-brain barrier disruption across multiple sclerosis, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions. Using cutting-edge microscopy combined with molecular and genetic approaches, his lab studies dynamic neuron-glia-vascular interactions to identify therapeutic targets for CNS disorders. This work has established microglia as active regulators of brain homeostasis rather than passive immune responders.

His scientific recognition includes:

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society Postdoctoral and Young Investigator Awards
• American Heart Association Postdoctoral and Young Investigator Awards
• Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Postdoctoral and Young Investigator Awards

Dr. Davalos actively mentors neuro-immunology and glio-vascular biology trainees while serving as program chair for Spring Brain Conferences. His laboratory receives continuous funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Previously associate director of the Center for In Vivo Imaging Research at Gladstone Institutes/UCSF, he maintains leadership in developing novel longitudinal imaging methodologies for living CNS tissue.