The Discovery Science Research Division is the basic science scientific core of the Department of Neurology, driving fundamental and translational research that advances our understanding of brain function, cerebrovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and neuronal resilience. Under the leadership of Dr. Miguel A. Perez-Pinzon, Vice Chair for Discovery Science and Peritz Scheinberg Endowed Professor in Neurology, the division fosters an intellectually rigorous environment that integrates multidisciplinary methods to generate high-impact discoveries and train the next generation of neuroscientists.
Faculty
The division is home to a distinguished group of investigators whose work spans vascular biology, mitochondrial pathophysiology, translational neuroprotection, metabolic stress responses, and the biology of aging. Our faculty includes Antonio Barrientos, Professor; Kunjan R. Dave, Research Professor; Carlos T. Moraes, Lichtenstein Endowed Professor in Neurology; Ami P. Raval, Research Professor; Sion Williams, Research Associate Professor; and Miguel A. Perez-Pinzon, Peritz Scheinberg Endowed Professor in Neurology.
Historical Foundation
The department’s scientific legacy dates back more than six decades to Dr. Peritz Scheinberg, the founding Chair of Neurology, who established the Research Center for Cerebral Vascular Disease and initiated pioneering work in cerebral blood flow and neurovascular regulation. A major period of growth followed under Dr. Walter Bradley, the department’s second Chair of Neurology. Dr. Bradley recruited the current basic-science faculty members, assembling a team whose expertise positioned the department as a national leader in mitochondrial biology, cerebrovascular research, and experimental neuroscience. A subsequent phase of strategic development occurred under Dr. Ralph Sacco, the department’s third Chair, who formally organized the Discovery Science Research Division. His vision emphasized fundamental CNS biology, mechanism-based therapeutic development, and a multidisciplinary scientific approach—principles that continue to guide the division’s mission.
Research Groups and Scientific Programs
Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratories
This program focuses on stroke, cardiac arrest, neuroprotection, and cognitive impairment.
- Dr. Miguel A. Perez-Pinzon investigates ischemic tolerance, metabolic preconditioning, and mechanisms of cognitive decline after ischemic and global cerebral insults.
- Dr. Kunjan Dave studies hypoglycemia-induced brain injury in diabetes, neurovascular vulnerability, and mitigation strategies for experimental intracerebral hemorrhage.
- Dr. Ami Raval examines hormonal regulation of post-stroke cognition, sex-specific vulnerabilities, and innovative rehabilitation strategies including vibration-based therapies.
Molecular Bioenergetics Laboratory – Dr. Carlos Moraes
Dr. Moraes leads a research program in mitochondrial disease and neurodegeneration. His work investigates mitochondrial DNA mutations, respiratory chain assembly, aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction, and the development of pharmacological and genetic therapies targeting mitochondrial failure.
Mitochondrial Biogenesis Laboratory – Dr. Antoni Barrientos
Dr. Barrientos studies the mechanisms governing mitochondrial protein synthesis and respiratory complex biogenesis. His research provides essential insights into mitochondrial contributions to neurodegeneration, metabolic disease, cancer biology, and the aging process.
A Vision for the Future
Through its collective expertise and collaborative culture, the Discovery Science Research Division positions the University of Miami’s Department of Neurology at the forefront of neuroscientific innovation. Our laboratories serve as engines of discovery, advancing mechanistic understanding of brain injury and disease while cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders.