David Wassarman is a Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Wisconsin. His research focuses on mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Current research uses fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as an animal model to understand human neuronal disorders, using genetic and molecular biology approaches to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodegeneration. The long-term goal of this research is to identify gene targets for prophylactic and therapeutic intervention in A-T and TBI.