Ben D. Clarkson

Ben D. Clarkson, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Associate Consultant I in the Division of Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His research focuses on neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, with emphasis on immune-mediated neuronal and synaptic dysfunction.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Wisconsin
• B.A. in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology, Wartburg College

Dr. Clarkson's research explores how inflammatory cells and cytokines disrupt excitatory-inhibitory balance, impair mitochondrial trafficking and repair in axons, and alter neuronal gene expression via retrograde signaling. He investigates how systemic inflammation triggers seizures and how myelin loss increases neuronal vulnerability to immune attack. A key focus is the development of a cell-based assay to detect pathogenic effects of autoantibodies in autoimmune epilepsy and idiopathic neurological disorders.

His work has significant implications for diagnosing and treating neuroinflammatory conditions, aiming to identify druggable pathways that promote neuronal repair and prevent neurodegeneration. He collaborates closely with the Clinical Neuroimmunology Lab and is affiliated with the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics and the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Clarkson has contributed to peer-reviewed research publications, though specific titles are not listed here. His publications reflect a strong focus on neuroimmunology, mitochondrial pathology, synaptic dysfunction, and autoimmune mechanisms in neurological disease.

Scientific Awards:

Dr. Clarkson mentors trainees and contributes to postdoctoral fellowship programs at Mayo Clinic. While specific students are not named, he is involved in training through research grants and institutional programs such as Training Grant Programs. His lab likely supports graduate and postdoctoral researchers in neuroscience and immunology.

He leads or contributes to research initiatives involving cell-based assays, neuronal electrophysiology, and molecular analysis of neuroimmune interactions. His laboratory work is supported by core facilities and integrated within multidisciplinary centers focused on regenerative medicine and autoimmune neurology.