Alexander Russell Judkins

Dr. Alexander Russell Judkins is a Clinical Professor of Pathology and Department Head of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), affiliated with the University of Southern California (USC). He specializes in pediatric neuropathology, with a focus on embryonal CNS neoplasms such as atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) and medulloblastoma, as well as non-neoplastic conditions like developmental malformations and epilepsy-associated neuropathology. Dr. Judkins holds board certifications in anatomic pathology, neuropathology, and forensic pathology. He previously served as Chief of Neuropathology at CHOP and Director of their Pathology Core Laboratory, contributing to research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration.

His academic background includes a BS from SUNY Geneseo (1991) and an MD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine (1996). He completed residency training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, followed by fellowships in neuropathology and forensic pathology. Dr. Judkins is actively involved in editorial roles for journals like Brain Pathology and Acta Neuropathologica.

Research interests span digital pathology integration, bioinformatics, and molecular mechanisms of pediatric brain tumors. His work bridges clinical diagnostics and translational science, including studies on SARS-CoV-2 genetic variations and therapeutic targeting of epigenetic pathways in high-grade gliomas. Dr. Judkins has developed the Pathology Core Laboratory at CHOP to support research and diagnostic innovation across institutions.

Key contributions include identifying molecular subgroups in medulloblastoma via MRI and MR spectroscopy, and advancing therapies for H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas. His articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to pediatric neuro-oncology, combining histopathology, genomics, and computational tools for improved diagnostics and treatment strategies.