Ann Arbor, MI – The University of Michigan Concussion Center is pleased to announce that center members James (JT) Eckner, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine; Eleanna Varangis, PhD, Assistant Professor of Movement Science, School of Kinesiology; Phil Veliz, PhD, Research Associate Professor, School of Nursing; and Katherine Seagly, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine, have been awarded a $25,000 seed grant from the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), supporting the study entitled: “The University of Michigan Alumni Brain Health Study: Blood Biomarker Addition.” Through its Brain Injury Research Fund, BIAA awarded five grants for 2025 totaling $85,000.

The research project aims to investigate the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and repeated head impacts on brain health, addressing a gap in research that has primarily focused on former professional athletes with extreme lifetime exposures. The study is recruiting 100 male and female former high school athletes to undergo in-person cognitive assessments and MRI scans. This project incorporates blood biomarker analysis to explore whether levels of specific brain proteins in the blood are associated with prior brain injuries and contact sport exposure. The findings could provide critical insights into the biological markers of brain health in individuals with moderate exposure to head impacts.

“The studies chosen this year take on additional importance as attention is growing in the U.S. and internationally to recognize and address brain injury as a chronic condition,” said John D. Corrigan, PhD, National Research Director for BIAA. “I am once again impressed with the quality of submissions we received and with the creative thinking that inspired this year’s projects.” Now in its sixth year, the Brain Injury Research Fund was established with the goal of finding cures for chronic brain injury. The program is grounded in the understanding that for some people, brain injury evolves into a chronic health condition that can cause or accelerate multiple diseases. BIAA offers two types of funding through the program: Dissertation Grants, funded up to $5,000, and Seed Grants, funded up to $25,000. To date, BIAA has awarded more than $380,000 through the Program.

To learn more about BIAA and support the Brain Injury Research Fund, visit

biausa.org/support/support-research

About University of Michigan Concussion Center

Founded in 2018 under the U-M Bioscience Initiative, the University of Michigan Concussion Center serves as a hub for concussion-related clinical care, research, and outreach & engagement on behalf of the U-M Community. The mission of U-M Concussion Center is to maximize societal and individual health through the relentless pursuit of concussion knowledge. We aim to be the recognized leader in concussion research and clinical practice to promote a positive impact on neurological health.

About University of Michigan Health  Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

The University of Michigan Medical School was among the first major institutions in the nation to organize and develop an independent Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The department was established in 1950 by James W. Rae, MD, who saw a need for hospital-based research and education related to people with disabilities. Today, the department now has more than 70 faculty, including over 50 rehabilitation physicians or physiatrists. In addition, there are more than 20 faculty members who have Ph.D.s in rehabilitation psychology, engineering, and rehabilitation sciences. 

About University of Michigan School of Kinesiology

The School of Kinesiology is currently the fourth largest school for undergraduate enrollment at the University of Michigan — the top public research institution in the country. As understanding about the importance of physical activity and sport to the health of society increases, the field of kinesiology has become one of the fastest-growing areas of study in the country. Our academic programs are training graduates who are in high demand in a wide variety of fields. Our world-class faculty are leading cutting-edge research and developing innovative solutions that are improving lives around the world.

About University of Michigan School of Nursing

The University of Michigan School of Nursing is a national and international leader in nursing education. Consistently ranked in the top 10 of nursing schools in the United States, we use our knowledge, skills, innovation and compassion to advance the public good and prepare the next generation of nurses through high-impact education, research and clinical practice. With more than 14,000 alumni around the world, our graduates are providing the leadership, expertise and perspective to address health care’s greatest challenges and deliver health for all.