Yale Bulletin and Calendar

September 17, 2004|Volume 33, Number 3

Dr. Albert Lo

Neurologist Lo wins Presidential
Early Career Award

Yale neurologist Dr. Albert Lo received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in recognition of his achievements and potential in the field of neurology.

The award was presented to Lo at a White House reception held in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 9.

The Presidential Award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. It is a five-year award established in 1996 by President Bill Clinton to recognize and nurture scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge.

Lo is assistant professor of neurology at the School of Medicine and a Research Career Development Awardee of the Veterans Administration Rehabilitation Research and Development Service. He is also the director of the multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic at the West Haven Veterans Affairs Connecticut (VACT) Healthcare System. He has dual training in clinical neurology and neuroscience, and has already contributed significantly to the development of new therapeutic strategies that may prevent the development of disability and restore function in people with MS.

Research efforts by Lo to develop innovative therapies for neuroprotection in MS have led to the first demonstration of robust protection of white matter axons both in the optic nerve and the spinal cord in animal models of MS. These concepts are now being translated into pilot clinical studies of neuroprotection to prevent axonal degeneration in people with MS.

Lo has begun a clinical neurorehabilitation research program at the West Haven VACT Healthcare System where he is examining innovative applications of robotics to help shape nervous system reorganization and recovery of function in patients with neurological impairments.

According to Dr. Stephen Waxman, chair and professor of neurology and director of the VA Rehabilitation Research Center, "During the coming decade neurology may be revolutionized by new therapies that will substantially improve the quality of life of people with neurological disorders. This will be hastened by young, energetic researchers like Dr. Lo. We are indeed proud that he has been given this prestigious award."

Lo's research was supported by the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service of the Department of Veterans Administration as well as by funds from the Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Spinal Association, and the Nancy Davis Foundation.

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IN MEMORIAM