Blogger - Paul Muhlrad

MDA Director of Basic Research
Tucson, Arizona

MDA Director of Basic Research Paul Muhlrad oversees the scientific administration of some 300 MDA-sponsored research projects around the world. Most of these projects are aimed at identifying, developing and testing therapeutic targets and strategies for the many neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s research program.

MDA receives more than 500 new research grant proposals every year. A major portion of Paul’s responsibilities is to manage MDA’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Committees, composed of the world’s leading neuromuscular disease researchers and physicians who are tasked with carefully evaluating the proposals and advising MDA of the most promising projects to support.

Paul has more than two decades of laboratory research experience. He received his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology in 2001 from the University of Arizona, where his dissertation research focused on developmental genetics in a model organism, a microscopic roundworm called Caenorhabditis elegans.

Paul also has a strong interest in bringing complex scientific findings within the grasp of non-scientists, and has written lay science articles for many of the nation’s top biomedical research institutions. He will be blogging about the morning sessions of the MDA Clinical Conference, which draw connections between current research and clinical practices.