Justin C. Paul*

B.A., The Johns Hopkins University
Fibrin Formation and Dissolution in the Progression of Amyloid-β Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease
presented by Sidney Strickland

Alzheimer’s disease, first characterized about 100 years ago in Germany, is a scourge of old age. This disease destroys short-term memory, and without the ability to form and retain memories, humans are empty shells. Thousands of labs work on AD, but it is still not known why neuronal cells die. Justin Paul studied this disease by using mouse models that develop Alzheimer’s. He has beautifully shown that blood flow and blood clotting play a prominent role in the disease in mice. One of the most exciting aspects of his work is that it suggests a new mechanism for Alzheimer’s and new therapeutic approaches that could ameliorate the disease.

Justin was born and raised in Boston. He inherits his interest in science and medicine from his family: His father and mother were both trained as chemists. After an outstanding undergraduate career at Johns Hopkins, he joined our M.D.-Ph.D. program. He is a fearless and creative scientist, and a warm and friendly colleague. He is now back in medical school finishing his medical degree. His appetite for science is matched by his appetite for food. He was renowned in our lab for finishing any and all leftovers at our weekly lab lunches.