Ben Philpot

Ben Philpot, PhD, is the Kenan Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He is also Co-Director of the UNC Neuroscience Center and Associate Director of the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. His research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders such as Angelman syndrome, Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, and Dup15q syndrome. Using techniques like optogenetics, gene therapy, and high-throughput drug screening, his lab develops therapeutic strategies targeting these conditions. Dr. Philpot has been recognized with awards including the Daniel X. Freedman Award and Simons Foundation Investigator designation. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, emphasizing circuit-level dysfunction and gene therapy approaches.

• Education: PhD from University of Virginia, Postdoctoral training at Brown University and MIT
• Affiliations: UNC Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities

Key research interests include neurodevelopmental disorder pathophysiology, novel therapeutic validation, and molecular mechanisms of gene expression. His lab has pioneered mouse models for disorders like Dup15q syndrome and advanced genetic restoration therapies for Pitt-Hopkins syndrome.