Federal Grant Award Summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute received a $554,927 Project Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853), awarded June 15, 2026, with completion targeted for May 31, 2029. The award funds research investigating blast-related traumatic brain injury (BTBI) at the neuronal, structural, and behavioral levels. The project will develop a reproducible BTBI model using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that enables precise control of blast pressure waveforms and real-time measurement of neuronal activity and behavior in vivo. This innovative model addresses a significant gap in understanding how BTBI-induced effects—including neural hyperactivity, oxidative stress, and inflammation—contribute to post-injury recovery or long-lasting neurological damage.

The research will be conducted in Worcester, Massachusetts, and encompasses two specific aims designed to assess the effects of a broad range of blast parameters and explore cellular mechanisms of blast-induced injury. By utilizing an invertebrate model system with fundamental similarities to mammalian neurobiology despite reduced complexity, the research aims to overcome methodological variability that has historically hampered understanding of BTBI pathology and therapeutic development. The project ultimately seeks to advance neuroprotective treatment options for military personnel and civilian populations affected by blast exposure.