Timothy J. Collier, PhD
- Professor of Translational Neuroscience
- Director, Michigan State University Udall Center of Excellence
- Department of Translational Neuroscience
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
- Teaching Faculty, MSU Neuroscience Program and MSU BioMolecular Science
- Grand Rapids Research Center
- 400 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Phone: 616.234.0953
- Fax: 616.234.0991
- timothy.collier@hc.msu.edu
Biography
Tim Collier received his undergraduate training in psychology at the University of Minnesota and his PhD training in psychology and neuroscience at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He did his postdoctoral training at the University of Rochester with Dr. John Sladek Jr. where he focused on cell transplantation in animal models of Parkinson’s disease and aging. Dr. Collier joined the faculty as a Professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine campus in Grand Rapids in 2010. He has served as the Director of the Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research at Michigan State University. His research focuses on the relationship between aging and neurodegenerative diseases and repurposing drugs for treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Education
| Institution | Field of Study | Degree Earned | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN | Psychology | B.A. | 1974 |
| Northwestern University, Evanston, IL | Psychology/Neuroscience | M.S. | 1979 |
| Northwestern University, Evanston, IL | Psychology/Neuroscience | Ph.D. | 1983 |
| University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY | Neurobiology and Anatomy | Fellow | 1982-1985 |
Research Interests
Dr. Collier’s research utilizes primary cell culture, rat and nonhuman primate models to study mechanisms of central nervous system aging, neurodegenerative diseases and the relationship between the two. Current work emphasizes etiology and experimental therapeutics related to Parkinson’s disease. Current projects include collaborations in neurobiology of aging, neural growth factor gene therapy, and re-purposing drugs for Parkinson’s disease. Additional interests include lifestyle factors for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, including the benefits of diet and exercise.
Technical Expertise
- Primary neuronal cultures
- Stereotaxic surgery
- Immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, microscopy
- Embryonic and adult brain tissue microdissection
- Behavioral evaluations of motor performance in rodents
- Stereology