Alexandre DaSilva

Alex DaSilva, D.D.S., D.Med.Sc., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Material Sciences, University of Michigan School of Dentistry (UMSoD). Dr. DaSilva received his Doctorate in Medical Science degree in Oral Biology with clinical training in Orofacial Pain at Harvard University. He is the founder and director of H.O.P.E. (Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort) laboratory, a multidisciplinary collaborative effort to investigate the brain as a research and therapeutic target for pain. The H.O.P.E. Lab focuses on developing neuroscience-driven tech innovations for human neuroimaging (PET, MRI, fNIRS, EEG), neuromodulation, mobile technology, artificial intelligence, augmented/virtual reality, and their integration for pain research, education, and treatment. Dr. DaSilva is also the current Director of Learning Health Systems (LHS) at UMSoD, where he is developing and applying novel ways to support decision-making and optimize dental-medical research, treatment, and education.Dr. DaSilva has been a frequent speaker for multiple scientific meetings such as the International Association for the Study of Pain, American Academy of Orofacial Pain, American Headache Society, American Pain Society, National Institutes of Health, and educational initiatives of the National Science Foundation. He is an awardee of several ongoing U.S. governmental grants (NIH: NIDCR, NINDS, NCCIH). The relevance of his clinical translational research programs is based on his leadership in investigating the central mechanisms of opioid dysfunction in the human brain in vivo—by gaining mechanistic insights into chronic pain and novel treatments. His publications were advertised as examples of innovative research by the University’s $1 billion Victors for Michigan UM national campaign and by the UM Office of Research in Washington D.C., to showcase to Michigan’s Congressional delegation the importance of federal investments in research. His laboratory has received visitors from key industry leaders such as the Vice-President for Artificial Intelligence and Research and the General Manager of Education from Microsoft. His work has received broad media coverage by national and international venues, for instance, Discovery Channel, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Scientific American Mind, and others.