Matt Havrda

Matt Havrda is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He earned his Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering at the University of Maine and leads a research program focused on the molecular basis of Parkinson’s disease and neuroinflammation.

Research Interests: Dr. Havrda's work centers on understanding how environmental exposures interact with the innate immune system to drive neurodegeneration, particularly in Parkinson’s disease. His research integrates molecular biology, immunology, and translational neuroscience, using cellular and animal models as well as patient-derived biofluids and post-mortem tissues. Key areas include NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation, and identification of early biomarkers for disease progression.

Publication Trends: His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on neuroinflammation, inflammasome activation, and gene-environment interactions in Parkinson’s disease. The studies utilize longitudinal human data, genetic models, and environmental toxin exposures to uncover mechanisms of disease and potential therapeutic targets.

Scientific Awards:

• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NINDS)
• Dartmouth SYNERGY Scholar Award for Clinical and Translational Research
• Target Validation Award from the Michael J. Fox Foundation

Advising and Grants: While specific advisees are not listed, Dr. Havrda leads an active research laboratory. His work is currently supported by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, indicating sustained federal funding for his investigations into environmental impacts on neurological disorders.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Havrda collaborates extensively with interdisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists, immunologists, and neuroscientists. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology and epigenetics to study neurodegeneration, contributing to both basic science and clinical translation in Parkinson’s disease research.