Thomas Schwarz

Dr. Thomas Schwarz is a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, leading research on mitochondrial dynamics, axonal transport, and neurodegenerative mechanisms. His laboratory investigates fundamental cell biological processes underlying neural function and pathology.

Research focuses on:

• Mitochondrial transport and quality control in neurons
• Molecular mechanisms of mitophagy and axonal degeneration
• Synaptic development and vesicle trafficking
• Parkinson's disease pathophysiology

Recent studies examine Miro GTPase regulation of mitochondrial motility, PINK1 mRNA transport mechanisms, and metabolic adaptations of mitochondrial dynamics. His work bridges molecular neurobiology with disease mechanisms, particularly in Parkinson's disease and optic atrophy models.

Dr. Schwarz teaches cellular neuroscience and mentors graduate students through the Harvard Program in Neuroscience. The laboratory employs diverse models including Drosophila genetics, mouse models, and iPSC-derived neurons.