Kamil W. Nowicki, MD, PhD, began his residency with the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurosurgery in June of 2016. He graduated from University of Florida in 2008 with a degree in chemistry with the highest honors and earned his combined medical degree and a PhD in molecular cell biology from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2016.
During his medical school career, he conducted research in the department of neurosurgery under mentorship of Brian L. Hoh, MD, and Edward W. Scott, PhD. In his dissertation research he showed that blockade of shear stress-induced CXCL1 chemokines prevents cerebral aneurysm formation. He was awarded two research grants from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. He was also the recipient of the Equal Access Clinic award for his work as director of a mobile clinic site while providing care for the underserved population of Gainesville, Fla. in 2012 and 2013.
His current research efforts are focused on studying the platelet inflammatory axis in cerebral aneurysm formation and creation of a blood test to detect aneurysm formation. Dr. Nowicki was born in Poland and moved to Gainesville in 2001. His hobbies include soccer, digital photography, and cross-fit.
See also Dr. Nowicki's profile in Google Scholar.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Professional Organization Membership
Education & Training
- BS, Chemistry, University of Florida, Summa cum laude, 2008
- PhD, Molecular Cell Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2014
- MD, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2016
Honors & Awards
- Big Idea Advantage Fund Award, University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute, 2022
- Pitt Ventures First Gear Program, University of Pittsburgh, NSF I-Corps, 2021, 2022
- Duquesne New Venture Challenge Award, Duquesne University, (3rd place in video pitch challenge; 4th place in finals), 2022
- Best Basic Science Abstract, Cerebrovascular Section, CNS, 2019
- Best Presentation Award, Stuart Rowe Society Lectureship Day, 2018, 2019
- Walter L. Copeland Grant, Pittsburgh Foundation, 2019, 2021
- Neurosurgical Topgun Competition 1st Place Tie, Myriad Minimally Invasive Tumor, 2018
- Timothy P. Susco Chair of Research Grant Award, Brain Aneurysm Foundation, 2016
- Dawn Brejcha Chair of Research Grant Award, Brain Aneurysm Foundation, 2016
- Outstanding Academic And Research Accomplishment Award, University of Florida, 2016
- College of Medicine Travel Award, University of Florida, 2015
- Medical Guild Competition Bronze Award, University of Florida, 2014
- Equal Access Clinic Award, University of Florida, 2012-13
- Shirley Dudek Demmer Chair of Research Grant Award, Brain Aneurysm Foundation, 2013
- Brain Aneurysm Center Chair of Research Grant Award, North Shore University Hospital, 2012
- Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of Florida, 2008
- Sanibel Symposium Superior Poster Award, University of Florida, 2007
- Anderson Scholar of High Distinction, University of Florida, 2006
- Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, University of Florida, 2005
Selected Publications
Nowicki KW, D’Angelo MP, Fellows-Mayle W, McDowell MM, Friedlander RM. Blockade of the Platelet-Driven CXCL7-CXCR1/2 Pathway Prevents Cerebral Aneurysm Formation. Neurosurgery 66, Supp_1, nyz310_108, 2019.
Nowicki KW, Hosaka K, Walch FJ, Scott EW, Hoh BL. M1 macrophages are required for murine cerebral aneurysm formation. J Neurointerv Surg 10(1):93-97, 2018.
Nowicki KW, Hosaka K, He Y, McFetridge PS, Scott EW, Hoh BL. Novel High-Throughput In Vitro Model for Identifying Hemodynamic-Induced Inflammatory Mediators of Cerebral Aneurysm Formation. Hypertension 64(6):1306-13, 2014.
Nowicki KW, Hosaka K, He Y, Downes DP, McFetridge PS, Scott EW, Hoh BL. An in vitro Approach to Studying Shear Stress - Induced Inflammation in Cerebral Aneurysm Progression. Circulation 126:suppl_21, 2012.
Hoh BL, Hosaka K, Downes DP, Nowicki KW, Fernandez CE, Batich CD, Scott EW. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 promotes inflammatory vascular repair of murine carotid aneurysms via a macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and macrophage inflammatory protein-2-dependent pathway. Circulation 124(20):2243-2252, 2011.
Research Activities
Dr. Nowicki has been actively involved in the laboratory exploring the role of platelets and inflammatory cytokines in cerebral aneurysm formation as well as design of novel biomedical devices resulting in three patent applications. In the spring of 2021, his research team was selected to participate in the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt Ventures First Gear 2021 program to explore the road towards commercialization.
His current endeavors are concentrated on a blood test for cerebral aneurysms and development of next generation endovascular devices.
Dr. Nowicki’s prior research and innovation has resulted in the following patent applications:
Pitt ID-05390 “Methods of treating aneurysms.” U.S. Provisional Application #63/067,604; U.S. Utility Patent Application, USSN #17/404,395 (University of Pittsburgh/UPMC, submitted August 19, 2020, published February 24, 2022; intellectual contribution: 75%).
Pitt ID-05734 “Methods of detecting cerebral aneurysms.” U.S. Provisional Application #63/306,530 (University of Pittsburgh/UPMC, submitted July 19, 2021; intellectual contribution: 70%).
Pitt ID-05845 “Web and mobile-based software for risk stratification and prediction of need for surgery in patients with cerebral aneurysms.” Invention Disclosure Submitted; U.S. Provisional Patent Application in submission (University of Pittsburgh/UPMC, submitted October 24, 2021; intellectual contribution: 35%).
Pitt ID-05854 “Bioabsorbable metallic alloy coils coated with a polyurethane-based on fatty amide functional groups for treating intracranial aneurysms (IA) and Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs).” U.S. Provisional Patent Application #63/288,847 (University of Pittsburgh/UPMC, submitted October 25, 2021; intellectual contribution to be determined).
Media Appearances
Pitt Startup Astria Biosciences to Compete in Rice Business Plan Competition
University of Pittsburgh
April 11, 2023