Ashley Russell, PhD, a Research Scientist at the Safar Center in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) received the prestigious Young Investigator Grant from The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) research fund for 2025. The BIAA research fund is in its sixth year, and targets finding cures for chronic brain injury. Dr. Russell will test the efficacy of low dose naltrexone, an FDA-approved drug that is currently in clinical trials for other neurological and autoimmune diseases, on reducing microglia-specific inflammasome induction in the injured brain to promote neurobehavioral recovery after traumatic brain injury in mice. She is mentored by Amy Wagner, MD, UPMC Endowed Professor and Vice Chair for Faculty Development in the Department of PM&R and a Safar Center Associate Director.
Congratulations to Ashley for this outstanding accomplishment.