Walter Swardfager, PhD

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Dr. Walter Swardfager pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Waterloo, and his PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Toronto. In 2015, he began his independent research with concurrent appointments as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, and as a Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute. His research focuses on understanding the contributions of cerebrovascular disease 23to mood and cognitive disorders. His work involves clinical neuropsychological, neuroimaging and metabolomics studies of patients with type 2 diabetes, depression and dementia, with the aim to identify novel inflammatory, metabolic and neuroendocrine biomarkers that inform disease processes and implicate potential treatments.

Reflection
The most rewarding discoveries I have made as a scientist have been the unique talents and capabilities of the young scholars in my lab. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to nurture these talents, and to provide opportunities for them to translate into new insights.