Ryan Purcell

Ryan Purcell, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and the School of Neuroscience in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms by which genetic risk factors, particularly copy number variants (CNVs) such as the 3q29 deletion, contribute to schizophrenia, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. He leads the Purcell Lab within the Center for Neurobiology Research, where his team employs advanced technologies including CRISPR genome editing and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived forebrain organoids to model disease processes.

Dr. Purcell earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Emory University and completed postdoctoral training at Emory and Universität Leipzig. He previously served as Assistant Professor and Instructor in the Department of Cell Biology at Emory University before joining Virginia Tech.

His research interests center on the molecular and cellular phenotypes associated with high-risk genetic variants. By studying how these variants disrupt neural development and function, his work aims to uncover fundamental disease mechanisms and inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies. His lab investigates both rare genetic syndromes and broader idiopathic neuropsychiatric conditions, seeking to bridge the gap between genetic findings and biological understanding.

The most recent publications from his lab highlight a strong focus on the 3q29 deletion, revealing its impact on mitochondrial regulation, neural transcriptomics, and behavioral outcomes across species. These studies employ integrative approaches spanning human iPSC models, mouse genetics, and cross-species analysis, reflecting a trend toward translational and systems-level neuroscience. The recurring themes include mitochondrial dysfunction, gene expression dysregulation, and convergent neurobiological pathways across different high-risk CNVs.

Dr. Purcell has received notable recognition for his research, including:

• NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2022–2024)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2020–2022)

His research is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He mentors graduate students in Neuroscience and Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health and collaborates extensively within the institute, particularly with researchers studying related genetic syndromes such as 22q11.2 deletion. His lab actively recruits new members, indicating ongoing and expanding research activities.

The Purcell Lab is part of the Center for Neurobiology Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, a collaborative environment fostering innovation in brain science. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, with potential connections to cardiovascular and exercise research due to the systemic nature of genetic syndromes. The lab culture appears highly collaborative and supportive, aligned with the broader mission of the institute to accelerate discovery and translation in health sciences.