Michael D Kawaja

Michael D Kawaja is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen's University's School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences. He holds cross-appointments with the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME) and the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen's University. Previously, he served as Associate Dean of the School of Medicine from 2016-2022.

Dr. Kawaja's research focuses on nervous system plasticity, particularly the inherent ability of the nervous system to adapt structurally and functionally to injury or disease. His laboratory pursues two primary research directions: first, investigating the role of growth factors and their receptors in the generation of new axonal processes, with specific focus on aberrant sympathetic axon growth in response to elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) in animal models of peripheral nerve injury and inflammatory conditions; second, examining how grafting different cell types into injured spinal cords can enhance axonal growth and functional recovery.

His research employs diverse methodologies including conventional microscopic examination, proteomics, and transgenic technologies to address neural repair mechanisms across various neuropathological conditions. The ultimate goal of his work is to discover therapeutic strategies that ameliorate disease-associated aberrant sympathetic sprouting and lessen consequences arising from peripheral nerve injury and hypertension.

Dr. Kawaja's publication record spans over three decades, with significant contributions to understanding neurotrophin signaling, axonal regeneration, spinal cord injury, and the role of olfactory ensheathing cells in neural repair. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural plasticity and repair.

Dr. Kawaja's educational background includes a PhD in Anatomy from Western University (1989), an MSc in Biology from Acadia University (1985), and a BSc in Biology from Acadia University (1983). His research has been supported by major Canadian funding agencies including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, and Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.