Vice Dean, Research

Dr. Michael Strong is delighted to announce that Dr. Denise Figlewicz has been appointed as Vice Dean, Research and Innovation for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry March 1, 2012 to March 31, 2017.

Dr. Figlewicz completed her PhD in Biochemistry at Loyola University, Chicago in 1979. She completed post-doctoral work at the National Institutes of Health and National Naval Medical Research Institute, both in Bethesda, Maryland. Subsequent to a Faculty Lecturer position based at the Department of Neurology, Montreal General Hospital (McGill University/ Ctr. For Neuroscience), Dr. Figlewicz joined the Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology & Anatomy at the University of Rochester as an Assistant Professor (1993), then Associate Professor (1996). She was an Associate Professor and Research Scientist in the Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan from 2002 to 2007. She joined the ALS Society of Canada as Director of Research in 2006 and was promoted to Vice President, Research in 2009. At the ALS Society of Canada Dr. Figlewicz has led the implementation of ALS research, representing the Society worldwide within the scientific and research communities.

Dr. Figlewicz's research has focused on mammalian nervous system development and pathology, specifically molecular genetics and neurochemistry approaches to investigate neuromuscular diseases, such as ALS. She has worked towards a better understanding of the pathogenesis of human neuromuscular disorders, both inherited and sporadic. She has published over 80 papers in peer reviewed journals and has held research funding from the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada, ALS Association (USA) and NIH. Dr. Figlewicz is Associate Editor for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Journal, and a reviewer for the numerous neurology, neuroscience, and genetics journals as well as for Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Association (USA), the Motor Neurone Disease Association (UK), the ALS Association (USA), the Medical Research Council of Canada et alia.

In her new role as Vice-Dean, Research and Innovation, Dr Figlewicz will lead the implementation of the research components of the new Schulich strategic plan. Her experience in both national and international forums for research, as well as her understanding of the increasingly complex Canadian research funding milieu, will be a specific asset in this role. As the newest member of the Vice Decanal team, she will join Drs Garcia, Steele and Sandhu in leading Schulich through the next critical steps in its growth.