Michael Walter Jakowec

Michael Walter Jakowec, PhD, serves as Professor of Clinical Pharmacy (Teaching Track) in the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Southern California's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, a position he assumed in May 2024. Previously, he held the role of Professor of Research Neurology at USC's Keck School of Medicine. His research centers on molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity in brain disorders, with emphasis on Parkinson's disease and drug addiction, particularly investigating exercise-induced synaptogenesis and pharmacological interventions for brain repair.

Education

• PhD, University of California, Davis
• MSc, University of Toronto
• BSc (Institution unspecified)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University Department of Neurology
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University Department of Neurology
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Southern California

Dr. Jakowec's research program investigates neuroplasticity mechanisms in the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex using rodent models of Parkinson's disease. His laboratory employs diverse methodologies including molecular biology, neuroimaging, and behavioral analysis to study exercise-induced synaptogenesis, astrocyte-neuron interactions, and mitochondrial function. A key translational focus involves bridging basic science findings to clinical applications through collaborations with neurologists and physical therapists.

His recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate consistent emphasis on Parkinson's disease mechanisms and exercise interventions, with growing integration of neuroimaging, molecular biomarkers, and health disparity research. The work reveals how physical activity intensity correlates with cognitive function and brain connectivity, while exploring novel therapeutic targets like mitochondrial peptides and astrocytic transporters.

Dr. Jakowec actively mentors undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral students through laboratory research and classroom instruction. He designs and teaches specialized courses including Comparative Neuropharmacology and Neuropharmacology of Drug Addiction, emphasizing translational pathways from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic development. His educational philosophy centers on training future scientists through hands-on research experiences across the academic spectrum.

His laboratory operates within USC's collaborative neuroscience ecosystem, maintaining strong ties with the Department of Neurology, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, and Institute for Addiction Sciences. Current projects focus on translating exercise neuroscience findings into clinical practice, particularly through partnerships examining biokinematics and cognitive testing in Parkinson's patients.