Dr. Paulson is a clinician-scientist whose lab explores the reasons why the aging brain degenerates in neurodegenerative diseases. They primarily study the polyglutamine expansion diseases (including Huntington disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3), Alzheimer’s Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia. The lab pursues basic studies of disease mechanisms and translational studies that are leading toward therapies for these devastating diseases. Trainees spoke highly of the time he spent teaching them about science and life in science, and commented repeatedly about his emphasis on honesty, kindness and helpfulness as both scientists and clinicians. Trainees often equated his mentorship style as treating people equally and with unwavering respect, and as a mentor who educated trainees not only about science and medicine but also on approaches to overcoming obstacles and career stress.