He received his PhD from McMaster University in Hamilton and served as a postdoctoral fellow for two years at the University Health Network in Toronto. As a young biomedical researcher in the health region, he has helped foster research collaborations between the U of R and various local health institutes. As a neurophysiologist, his research interests include stem cell biology and neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. The goal of this research program is to develop therapies that mitigate or reverse the progress of neurological disease. In addition to research, Dr. Buttigieg is heavily involved in teaching. He is responsible for both anatomy and physiology courses in the Faculty of Nursing as well as the Faculty of Science.