Edward Wickstead, Ph.D.

My research focuses on the therapeutic potential of modulating inflammatory pathways in neurodegenerative disease. Specifically, I study microglia—the brain’s resident immune cells—and their critical role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Chronic neuroinflammation is a key driver of disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. My lab aims to understand how protective microglial phenotypes can be sustained across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on pro-resolving pathways that actively promote the resolution of inflammation and engage endogenous repair mechanisms in chronic neurodegenerative conditions. We are exploring strategies to harness these pathways to support healthy brain aging, including collaborative efforts with leading experts such as Dr. Mauro Perretti and, notably, Dr. Roderick Flower, whose pioneering work in inflammation resolution continues to guide and inspire our studies.