Lawrence Hayward

Lawrence J. Hayward, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. He holds affiliations in multiple departments, including Neurology, NeuroNexus Institute, and Radiology at T.H. Chan School of Medicine, as well as roles in graduate programs at Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on motor neuron disease mechanisms, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Dr. Hayward’s work integrates basic muscle biology, gene regulation, and protein biochemistry to understand disease pathways and develop therapies.

Education: BA and BS in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis; MD and PhD in Neuroscience from Baylor College of Medicine. Postdoctoral training included neuromuscular research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Research Interests: Dr. Hayward studies ALS, FSHD, and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. He investigates gene regulatory mechanisms in neuromuscular diseases, cellular models of ALS using zebrafish and mice, and biomarkers for FSHD progression. His lab develops therapies targeting ion channel dysfunction and muscle degeneration.

Awards: Recognized by fellowships from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the ALS Association. Ongoing collaborations include the UMMS Wellstone Center for FSHD and Neurotherapeutics Institute.

Advising/Grants: Leads multidisciplinary FSHD clinics and clinical trials. Collaborates on biomarker studies and drug development for neuromuscular diseases. His work is supported by grants focused on ALS mechanisms and FSHD treatment strategies.

Labs/Teams: Active in the UMMS Wellstone Center for FSHD and NeuroNexus Institute, advancing translational research in neuromuscular disorders.