The reason why I started working in this field is because there are so many unanswered scientific questions that could have huge implications for human health: How do we diagnose CTE during life? How much exposure to repetitive head impacts is needed to develop CTE? How common is CTE? What other genetic and environmental factors modify risk for CTE?  The answers to these questions will guide interventions on modifiable risk factors and provide targets for therapeutics.   

The millions of families affected by the life-changing and devastating consequences of neurodegenerative diseases have inspired me to conduct clinical research that targets improved care, treatment, and management of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

I am inspired by the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the patients I have cared for over the years.  I take pride in furthering our understanding of diseases affecting cognition and developing personalized, meaningful interventions for patients.  I am currently dividing my time between research and the clinical management of patients with brain injuries and neurodegernative conditions at Boston University and its affiliates 

As a former wrestler and neuroscientist at MIT, the study of CTE lies at the intersection of my two passions: sports and science. I study CTE to better understand the risk factors responsible for it, so we can improve our ability to diagnose this devastating disease, and ultimately cure it.