News
Steece-Collier awarded up to $2M from neuroscience nonprofit for Parkinson’s research
April 3, 2025
For decades, Steece-Collier has led an effort to reduce or eliminate dyskinesia, the involuntary and uncontrolled movement of hands, the head, and other body parts, which results as a side effect of commonly prescribed Parkinson’s drug. She and her all-woman team have a goal to render Parkinson’s a treatable disease where symptoms can be minimized and effectively managed, thereby improving the quality of life for patients.
Kathy Steece-Collier and team of scientists are reshaping Parkinson's disease treatment
September 19, 2024
For decades, Kathy Steece-Collier, PhD, professor of translational neuroscience, has been researching ways to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. Her work has led to a new gene therapy that could reduce or eliminate symptoms. Evidence also suggests this therapy has potential to halt progression of the disease.
Lipton appointed associate dean for research analytics
July 1, 2024
Jack Lipton, PhD, founding chair of the Department of Translational Neuroscience, recently joined the Office of Research to help unit leaders use data to predict and improve performance.
Recent Grants and Awards
June 28, 2024
See the latest awards and grants received by TransNeuro faculty.
Join us at the MSU Neuroscience Fair
March 1, 2024
The Department of Translational Neuroscience invites you and your family to the MSU Neuroscience Fair on March 16 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Meet scientists and learn about the marvels of the brain – from how it looks, feels and works to how to keep it healthy.
Notable West Michigan Leaders in Health Care 2023
October 31, 2023
Crain's Grand Rapids Business named Jack Lipton, PhD, a notable West Michigan leader in health care.
Faculty members in the news
October 30, 2023
Several TransNeuro faculty members have made headlines recently.
WLNS TV: Study shows Hispanics are a a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
October 3, 2023
In a recent WLNS news story, Irving Vega, PhD, discusses research indicating Hispanic Americans are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
MSU Alzheimer’s disease expert bridges gap between ‘bench’ research and community
June 12, 2023
Michigan State University neuroscientist Irving Vega is often found in his lab studying the impact certain proteins have on the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. But when he’s not conducting research, Vega makes time to go out into the community to talk about Alzheimer’s disease and engage with students about their interest in science.
Jack Lipton elected as faculty senate chair
May 26, 2023
Jack Lipton, PhD, chair of the Department of Translational Neuroscience, was elected the next chair of the university’s Faculty Senate.
MSU scientists create start-up to develop gene therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease
March 27, 2023
A new startup, CavGene Therapeutics, Inc., will further research initiated by Kathy Steece-Collier, PhD, a professor of Translational Neuroscience in the College of Human Medicine. For decades, she has led an effort to reduce or eliminate a frequent side effect of a drug commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s patients.
Neuroscience Fair Offers a Look Inside the Brain
March 18, 2023
The Department of Translational Neuroscience hosted the event at the Grand Rapids Public Museum where participants experienced 17 hands-on activities like performing deep brain stimulation on a gelatin brain, extracting DNA from a banana and viewing neurons under the microscope.
Vega ‘Pays It Forward’ Mentoring Hispanic Students Exploring Neuroscience Research Careers
October 30, 2022
Irving Vega, PhD, has taken on additional responsibilities as the director of a program at MSU to increase diversity in the neurosciences, much like one at the University of Puerto Rico that encouraged and helped him keep studying toward a research career.
Sortwell Named the Edwin A. Brophy Chair in Central Nervous System Disorders
September 29, 2022
Caryl Sortwell, PhD, professor, has been named the recipient of the Edwin A. Brophy Chair in Central Nervous System Disorders.
Vega Honored with Red Cedar Distinguished Faculty Award
August 31, 2022
Irving Vega, PhD, was named Red Cedar Distinguished Faculty for his research in Alzheimer's disease and engagement with the community.
MSU researchers identify new COVID-19 testing process
April 16, 2020 - MSUToday
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, a more accurate test that can detect the virus much earlier than other tests has been adapted and validated by Michigan State University researchers
We Have a Coronavirus Test—Let Us Use It
April 15, 2020 - Wall Street Journal
Jack Lipton, PhD, and Caryl Sortwell, PhD, co-authored the op-ed “We Have a Coronavirus Test – Let us use it” published in the Wall Street Journal.
TransNeuro teams up with local crafters
March 26, 2020 - Lisa Hayes, co-founder of Crafters Combating COVID
As we all adapt to new ways of connecting with our community, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and a group of local crafters have teamed up to solve a problem and fulfill a statewide need.
MSU conducting clinical trial for dementia in Grand Rapids
September 26, 2019 - WZZM TV 13
Dr. David Morgan is leading new study called Preventing Alzheimer's with Cognitive Training, which looks at whether or not computerized training exercises or brain games can reduce the risk of dementia.
New Department Name
June 30, 2019
The Department of Translational Science & Molecular Medicine has changed its name to more accurately reflect its research mission. We are now the Department of Translational Neuroscience!
Dr. Caryl Sortwell awarded two grants from the Michael J. Fox Foundation
April 30, 2019
The Michael J. Fox Foundation awarded Dr. Sortwell more than $280,000 for Parkinson's research.