Faculty from the University of Michigan Stroke Program have dedicated their professional lives to taking care of patients, educating the next generation of stroke physicians and performing cutting-edge research to lessen the impact of this common, severe disease. Our research program literally goes from the study of molecules to the study of communities. We are interested in learning more about genes that are associated with stroke risk, the role that the environment and neighborhoods play in stroke risk and outcome, and in novel risk factors for stroke. The risk factor that we investigate the most is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is very common and often people have the condition but are not aware. It is associated with stroke risk and may be a target to improve recovery from stroke. Fundamentally, our group is driven to reduce stroke health disparities with respect to race, ethnicity and gender. We conduct large studies of communities to determine the risk of stroke in minority populations and we partner with organizations like churches and schools to spread a message health and reduce the devastating impact from stroke.