Rate My Professor Colin Franz

Dr. Franz directs the Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, where his research centers on axon regeneration, motor neuron disease, complex peripheral nerve injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, diaphragm muscle dysfunction, and neuromuscular ultrasound. Employing molecular, biochemical, and electrophysiological assays alongside human preclinical models such as iPSC-derived neurons, his work explores activity-based treatments for neural restoration, resorbable therapeutic implants to promote nerve healing, and patient-derived stem cells to investigate genetic modifiers of neurotrauma outcomes and regenerative capacity. Supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, American Neuromuscular Foundation, and Belle Carnell Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Fund, key publications include "Stretchable, dynamic covalent polymers for soft, long-lived bioresorbable electronic stimulators designed to facilitate neuromuscular regeneration" (Nature Communications, 2020), "Three-dimensional, multifunctional neural interfaces for cortical spheroids and engineered assembloids" (Science Advances, 2021), "Polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule is necessary for selective targeting of regenerating motor neurons" (Journal of Neuroscience, 2005), and "Wirelessly controlled, bioresorbable drug delivery device with active valves that exploit electrochemically triggered crevice corrosion" (Science Advances, 2020). His contributions have earned awards such as the Foundation for PM&R Richard S. Materson ERF New Investigator Research Award (2018), Helen Cooper Resident Award from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (2016), and Lydia Sikora Memorial Award from the University of Calgary (2011).