ASCI / Emerging-Generation Awards, 2023

Matthew R. Brier, MD, PhD received his BS in neurosciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. During his undergraduate training he worked in a behavioral neuroscience lab under the direction of Dr. John Hart. During this time, he developed his interest in clinical neurology and learned the importance of basing research questions on clinical needs. He then completed both his MD and PhD training at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSL) as a part of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). His PhD mentor was Dr. Beau Ances, together they studied changes in brain structure and function during pre-clinical Alzheimer disease where pathology and dysfunction accumulate but no clinical symptoms are observed. Dr. Brier stayed at WUSL for his Adult Neurology Residency and served as Administrative Chief Resident during his PGY4 year. Subsequently, he completed a hybrid junior faculty and multiple sclerosis fellowship year and was promoted to Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology. Dr. Brier’s work focuses on using magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography to better understand MS through improved disease severity prediction and characterization of biological processes that lead to progressive disability in multiple sclerosis. Dr. Brier's work combines clinical observation with state-of-the-art neuroimaging to try to improve the quality of life of people living with multiple sclerosis. He is an author on over 40 peer-reviewed publications, is frequently invited to present his work at national and international meetings, and has received several awards for his work.