Luke Schwerdtfeger

Dr. Luke Schwerdtfeger is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Science. Dr. Schwerdtfeger’s research focuses on neurologic diseases, in particular multiple sclerosis (MS). Investigations in the laboratory aim to better understand roles that the intestinal tract plays in disease initiation and progression. Another area of interest is Parkinson’s disease, which has large pathological shifts in the gut prior to central disease initiation. The Schwerdtfeger laboratory primarily uses human tissues and cell lines, with techniques ranging from ex vivo organotypic slice preparations to molecular analysis of disease biomarkers, microbiome, and metabolites. This approach allows the lab to work at a highly translatable level, with the goal being the development of novel treatment modalities for people living with neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Schwerdtfeger also serves as Course Director for the Gastrointestinal Systems first year medical course at the Fort Collins branch campus of the University of Colorado School of Medicine.