Vivek K. Unni, M.D., Ph.D.

  • Associate Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine
  • Director, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research
  • John Hammerstad, M.D. Professor of Basic Research of Movement Disorders
  • Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine

Biography

Dr. Unni’s research focuses on understanding the role of the protein alpha-synuclein in the mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Multiple lines of evidence suggest that simply increasing levels of this protein by seemingly modest amounts can cause both genetic and idiopathic forms of PD. Dr. Unni uses transgenic models which over-express alpha-synuclein to study how abnormally high levels of this protein cause self-aggregation and neuronal dysfunction in the living brain, using advanced biochemical and in vivo multiphoton imaging techniques.

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • Ph.D., 2003, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
    • M.D., 2003, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
  • Residency

    • Neurology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, 2007
  • Fellowship

    • Movement disorders, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, 2008
  • Certifications

    • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2008

Memberships and associations:

  • American Academy of Neurology

Publications

Elsevier pure profile

Publications