Michael Williamson

Dr. Michael Williamson completed a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied how astrocytes interact with other cell types to support brain repair and recovery after stroke. He then completed postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine, where he investigated the cellular and molecular processes through which astrocytes regulate memory. His work brings together neuroscience, brain repair and cognition to better understand the role of astrocytes in health and disease.

Research

The Williamson Lab studies astrocytes, a type of brain cell that helps support and regulate the activity of neurons. One area of research examines how astrocytes interact with neurons to support learning, memory and cognition. Another examines how astrocyte function changes in disease and how these changes may improve or worsen health outcomes. The lab’s goal is to better understand how astrocytes work and identify potential targets for treating conditions that affect the brain.

Education and experience

• 2026–present: Scientist, Neurosciences and Mental Health, SickKids, Toronto, ON, Canada
• 2022–2026: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
• 2016–2022: PhD, Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, U.S.A.
• 2012–2016: B.Sc. (Honours), Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Achievements

1. Williamson MR, Kwon W, Woo J, Ko Y, Maleki E, Yu K, Murali S, Sardar D, Deneen B. “Learning-associated astrocyte ensembles regulate memory recall.” Nature. 2025;637(8045):478–486.
2. Williamson MR, Le SP, Franzen RL, Donlan NA, Rosow JL, Cervantes A, Deneen B, Dunn AK, Jones TA, Drew MR. “Subventricular zone cytogenesis provides trophic support for neural repair in a mouse model of stroke.” Nature Communications. 2023;14:6341.
3. Williamson MR, Fuertes CJA, Dunn AK, Drew MR, Jones TA. “Reactive astrocytes facilitate vascular repair and remodeling after stroke.” Cell Reports. 2021;35:109048.
4. Williamson MR, Franzen RF, Fuertes CJA, Dunn AK, Drew MR, Jones TA. “A window of vascular plasticity coupled to behavioral recovery after stroke.” Journal of Neuroscience. 2020;40:7651–7667.
5. Williamson MR, Dietrich K, Hackett MJ, Caine S, Nadeau CA, Aziz JR, Nichol H, Paterson PG, Colbourne F. “Rehabilitation augments hematoma clearance and attenuates oxidative injury and ion dyshomeostasis after brain hemorrhage.” Stroke. 2017;48(1):195–203.

Funding