Dr. Michael Wang Receives Prestigious 2025 Roger J. Grekin Research Award
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of medical research, Dr. Michael Wang, has been honored with the 2025 Roger J. Grekin Research Award. This distinguished accolade serves as a testament to Dr. Wang's unwavering dedication and groundbreaking work.
The Roger J. Grekin Research Award, named in honor of the esteemed leader, educator, and physician-scientist, is awarded to those who have achieved groundbreaking advancements in their fields. This prestigious accolade is designed to recognize a VA researcher whose work embodies the values Dr. Grekin championed: a dedication to serving our nation’s Veterans through excellence in research, leadership, service, and mentorship.
Dr. Wang has been an influential force as the VAAAHS Neurology Service Chief since 2009 and a Professor of Neurology at the University of Michigan. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and later earned his MD and PhD in molecular biology from Johns Hopkins University, where he also completed his neurology residency and a stroke fellowship. Dr. Wang's work has been continuously supported by federal funding for over 20 years, with VA funding since 2009.
Renowned globally, Dr. Wang is an authority on the molecular underpinnings of stroke. His research delves into the use of animal models to identify therapeutic targets and explores the cellular biology of brain injury in ischemic stroke scenarios. He has gained recognition as one of the world’s leading experts on CADASIL—cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy—a genetic contributor to stroke and dementia. With over 85 published papers, including significant works in Nature and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, he has significantly impacted the field. Additionally, Dr. Wang has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical students, and neurology and neurosurgery residents, alongside stroke fellows. He was honored with the prestigious VA Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Senior Clinician Scientist Investigator Award in 2021.
For the past decade, Dr. Wang has chaired the VAAAHS Research and Development Committee (RDC). In this capacity, he has made substantial administrative contributions to the VA's research services, while providing valuable guidance and maintaining a supportive presence among his colleagues at VAAAHS.
Dr. Wang is not only a distinguished physician-scientist but also a kind and humble individual admired by his peers. A skilled clinical educator, he exemplifies a compassionate and empathetic bedside manner, earning the respect and appreciation of those fortunate enough to collaborate with him.