Dr. Michael Chopp, a professor in the Department of Physics, recently received two awards for his ongoing biomedical research.

Chopp earned the Thomas Willis Lecture Award from the American Heart Association, which recognizes major scientific contributions to the field of cerebrovascular diseases and stroke. This annual award is considered the most prestigious in the field.

He was also awarded the Abraham White Distinguished Science Award this past November. This was rewarded for the discovery of the role of thymosin b4 in the treatment of brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

“The most rewarding part about winning these awards is having confirmation by the world medical community that the work we are doing is important,” Chopp said.

Chopp is motivated by his passion to develop treatments for neurological diseases and injury in order to help others.

“I’m fascinated with the beauty and miraculous elegance of life, particularly the brain,” Chopp said. “To deeply appreciate life, you have to strive to understand it. I love science and inquiry.”

Chopp received a doctorate in Physics, and loved learning the underlying physical laws governing the universe. With the need to directly impact lives, he transitioned from physics to neurological disease research.

Outside of the lab, Chopp spends his time doing what he loves most.

“I have many invitations throughout the world to lecture, and I adore foreign travel,” Chopp said. “Lecturing and travelling pretty much consume any spare time I have.”

Chopp’s dedication to impacting patients in the medical field has left him accomplished and rewarded.

“To be successful in any field you must love what you do and care deeply about it,” Chopp said. “Consider it a passion, not work and trust your understanding and intellect.” “Live imbued with curiosity.”