Dr. William Mills III | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. William Mills III, University of Virginia, United States.

William A. Mills III, known as Tré, is a dedicated neuroscientist whose academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to translational and interdisciplinary research. With foundational training from Virginia Tech and international exposure through studies in China, Tré has developed a deep expertise in neurovascular coupling and glial biology. His doctoral and postdoctoral research has significantly advanced our understanding of how microglia and aging influence the brain’s vascular systems. Through prestigious fellowships and awards, including the NIH K99/R00 and the AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Tré has proven his potential to become a leading figure in neuroscience. His work bridges multiple scientific disciplines and focuses on uncovering mechanisms that contribute to neurological aging and disease.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

William A. Mills III, fondly known as Tré, laid a solid foundation for his scientific career through rigorous and diverse academic training. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech in 2014, where he was actively involved in research labs focusing on virology, behavioral ecology, and disease ecology. His passion for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary learning was evident as he pursued Chinese language studies at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University from 2014 to 2015. This global academic exposure was followed by his Ph.D. in Translational Biology, Medicine & Health with a neuroscience focus at Virginia Tech (2015–2021), where he developed a strong interest in neurovascular and glial biology. These formative experiences created a well-rounded and curious scientist ready to tackle complex biomedical questions.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience

Tré’s professional journey took a pivotal turn when he joined the Eyo Lab at the University of Virginia as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2021. His research investigates the intricate role of microglia in regulating capillary basal tone and neurovascular coupling—an area that sits at the intersection of neuroimmunology and vascular biology. His graduate years in the Sontheimer Lab had already shaped his expertise in glial signaling pathways, particularly focusing on the effects of aging on gliovascular interactions involving EGFR and pSTAT3. These experiences underscore a continuous commitment to understanding the cellular mechanisms that underpin brain function and disease.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his research career, Tré has contributed significantly to the field of neurovascular biology and glial cell research. His scientific curiosity has spanned from studying the cellular mechanics of viral encapsidation in early projects to evaluating semaphorin roles in cardiovascular pathology. Notably, his doctoral work on gliovascular plasticity and his current postdoctoral focus on microglia’s role in cerebral blood flow regulation highlight his interdisciplinary approach. By bridging neuroscience, immunology, and vascular biology, he is shedding light on the fundamental processes that maintain brain health and how their disruption leads to age-related and neurodegenerative diseases.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Tré’s outstanding research potential has been recognized by several prestigious institutions. He was awarded the American Heart Association Career Development Award (which he respectfully declined), the American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (25POST1376070), and the UVA Brain Institute Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. In addition, he secured training support through the UVA Cardiovascular Research Center T32 Training Grant, reflecting the strong institutional belief in his capabilities. Most notably, he earned the competitive NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, a mark of distinction for early-career researchers poised to transition to faculty positions.

🔬 Impact and Influence in Translational Neuroscience

Tré’s research contributions are highly translational in nature, linking basic cellular mechanisms to potential therapeutic implications in aging, stroke, and neurodegeneration. His work on microglial function in neurovascular coupling could provide new insights into how blood flow dysregulation contributes to cognitive decline and dementia. By exploring how aging alters glial and vascular interactions, Tré’s research holds the promise to inform interventions targeting the brain’s support systems to preserve function in aging populations. His influence is also visible through collaborative projects, lab mentorship, and participation in international research endeavors.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Tré is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of neurovascular biology. With a trajectory marked by intellectual rigor, global awareness, and translational relevance, he is expected to lead pioneering studies that will redefine our understanding of brain support systems in health and disease. The foundation laid by his NIH K99/R00 award positions him well to establish an independent research program, where he will likely mentor future scientists and push the boundaries of neuroscience through integrative and innovative research methodologies.

🧬 A Champion of Interdisciplinary Science

A defining trait of Tré’s career is his seamless integration of diverse scientific fields—ranging from immunology and neuroscience to cardiovascular biology and behavioral ecology. This interdisciplinary ethos not only enriches his research output but also positions him as a bridge-builder in science, capable of uniting different perspectives to address complex biomedical challenges. His academic journey from microbiology and animal behavior to glial biology exemplifies a dynamic scientist committed to evolving with the science, while remaining grounded in his passion for discovery.

Publication

• Title: Capillary-associated microglia regulate vascular structure and function through PANX1-P2RY12 coupling in mice
  Authors: K. Bisht, K.A. Okojie, K. Sharma, D.H. Lentferink, Y.Y. Sun, H.R. Chen, …
  Year: 2021

 

• Title: Spatially expandable fiber-based probes as a multifunctional deep brain interface
  Authors: S. Jiang, D.C. Patel, J. Kim, S. Yang, W.A. Mills III, Y. Zhang, K. Wang, Z. Feng, …
  Year: 2020

 

• Title: Astrocyte plasticity in mice ensures continued endfoot coverage of cerebral blood vessels following injury and declines with age
  Authors: W.A. Mills III, A.L.M. Woo, S. Jiang, J. Martin, D. Surendran, M. Bergstresser, …
  Year: 2022

 

• Title: Lactobacillus rescues postnatal neurobehavioral and microglial dysfunction in a model of maternal microbiome dysbiosis
  Authors: Y. Lebovitz, E.A. Kowalski, X. Wang, C. Kelly, M. Lee, V. McDonald, R. Ward, …
  Year: 2019

 

• Title: Potassium and glutamate transport is impaired in scar-forming tumor-associated astrocytes
  Authors: S.C. Campbell, C. Muñoz-Ballester, L. Chaunsali, W.A. Mills III, J.H. Yang, …
  Year: 2020

 

• Title: LRRTM1 underlies synaptic convergence in visual thalamus
  Authors: A. Monavarfeshani, G. Stanton, J. Van Name, K. Su, W.A. Mills III, K. Swilling, …
  Year: 2018

 

• Title: EphA4/Tie2 crosstalk regulates leptomeningeal collateral remodeling following ischemic stroke
  Authors: B. Okyere, W.A. Mills, X. Wang, M. Chen, J. Chen, A. Hazy, Y. Qian, J.B. Matson, …
  Year: 2020

 

• Title: Nano-optoelectrodes integrated with flexible multifunctional fiber probes by high-throughput scalable fabrication
  Authors: S. Jiang, J. Song, Y. Zhang, M. Nie, J. Kim, A.L. Marcano, K. Kadlec, …
  Year: 2021

 

• Title: The emergence of the calvarial hematopoietic niche in health and disease
  Authors: W.A. Mills III, M.A. Coburn, U.B. Eyo
  Year: 2022

 

• Title: Using zebrafish to elucidate glial-vascular interactions during CNS development
  Authors: R.A. Umans, C. Pollock, W.A. Mills III, K.C. Clark, Y.A. Pan, H. Sontheimer
  Year: 2021

 

🧾 Conclusion

Tré stands out as a forward-thinking and highly skilled researcher whose contributions are shaping the future of neurovascular and glial research. His innovative approach, academic excellence, and recognition by top funding agencies underscore his suitability for leadership roles in neuroscience. As he transitions into an independent research career, Tré is expected to make enduring impacts on the scientific community through groundbreaking discoveries, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His trajectory is a testament to his dedication, curiosity, and potential to transform brain health research.