Walter Royal III, M.D., has been appointed to a first-of-its-kind role at Morgan State University.
The Baltimore native, who holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Harvard University and a doctor of medicine degree from Dartmouth Medical School, has over 30 years of leadership, clinical, and research experience in neurovirology, neuroimmunology, and multiple sclerosis, according to a news release. He has also carved out time to mentor the next generation, playing a vital role in their stepping stones into academic and clinical careers.
Dr. Royal’s career trajectory as a neurologist includes tenure at Morehouse School of Medicine. He served as chair of the Department of Neurobiology and director of the Neuroscience Institute. Furthermore, he was associate executive director of the Center for Visual and Neurorehabilitation Research at the Veterans Administration (VA), leading key research.
Dr. Royal’s posts also include:
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Maryland
- VA Health System
- National Institutes of Health
- Food and Drug Administration
Now, he will serve as Morgan State’s first-ever endowed professor in brain science. Dr. Royal has also been appointed director of the newly established Center for Brain Health Research, which researches brain disorders for those with African ancestry as well as other underserved populations to address representation, data equity, and health outcomes. The center’s focus will include cutting-edge research into neurological disorders as well as developing AI-based precision medicine tools, working with other leading research entities in the field. Royal will lead a research team of faculty and postdoctoral researchers in biology, engineering, mathematics, and psychology through the HBCU’s brand-new Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience Program.
“Dr. Royal brings to Morgan and the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) a profound depth of scientific expertise and leadership that will significantly advance our brain science research initiatives while strengthening the broader academic environment,” said Paul Tchounwou, Sc.D., SCMNS Dean and AAAS Fellow, in a press release. “His appointment reflects our strategic commitment to attracting distinguished, world-class faculty who are dedicated to excellence and transformative contributions.”
Dr. Royal commented:
“It is an honor to return to my hometown of Baltimore as the inaugural endowed professor in Brain Science at Morgan, amid its impressive research expansion and ascendency to R1 reclassification. Advances in neuroscience have deepened our understanding of brain disorders, especially their impact on historically marginalized communities. At the Brain Health Center, we are committed to applying that knowledge and, through collaborative research and innovation, developing strategies to improve brain health across our region and beyond.”
