Russell Morton

Russell Morton is a Tenure track Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. He established expertise in neurophysiology and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) through postdoctoral research at the University of New Mexico and leadership roles in the Center for Brain Recovery and Repair (CBRR).

• B.A. in Psychology from University of Colorado at Boulder (2003)
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience from George Washington University (2011)
• Postdoctoral fellowship at University of New Mexico (2016)

His research focuses on identifying spreading depolarizations (SDs) as critical mechanisms in concussion-like injuries, linking them to postinjury behavioral deficits, post-traumatic headaches, and impaired cognitive recovery. Using a closed skull injury model, his lab investigates SD propagation, cortical activity suppression, and blood flow dynamics in repeated mTBIs. This work aligns with CBRR's mission to bridge clinical and preclinical brain injury research.

Russell Morton's publications highlight SDs' role in mild injuries and cognitive dysfunction. Key collaborations with Drs. Bill Shuttlworth (cellular SD mechanisms) and KC Brennan (headache/migraine research) enhance his studies. His work has been recognized through keynote invitations, grant leadership (DoD collaborative grant), and active participation in international spreading depolarization conferences.

• UNM Graduate Student Retreat Keynote Speaker (2014, 2017)
• General Public Poster Finalist, UNM Neuroscience Day (2014)
• First Place Oral Presentation, GWU Research Day (2008)

As Preclinical Core Manager for CBRR, he developed the closed skull injury model and serves as a project lead. His lab collaborates with the New Mexico Spreading Depolarization Consortium (NMSDC) and international experts, maintaining weekly lab meetings with Drs. Shuttlworth and Brennan. He also co-teaches graduate courses in Neurosciences Journal Club, Neurophysiology, Methods in Cell Biology, and Undergraduate Pipeline Network.