Benjamin J Murdock

Benjamin J Murdock is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School. His work focuses on immunology in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where he investigates the roles of neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, and CD4 T cells in disease progression. He is also involved in translational research on diabetic neuropathy and brain health.

Education

• PhD in Immunology from University of Michigan (2010)
• BS in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from University of California (2003)

Research Focus
Dr. Murdock examines how immune cells like neutrophils, NK cells, and CD4 T cells regulate ALS progression, with ongoing studies testing immune-modifying drugs for therapeutic intervention. His work bridges clinical sample analysis, mouse models, and in vitro functional assays.

Scientific Contributions
Key findings include identifying neutrophil levels as predictive biomarkers for ALS progression, demonstrating NK cell involvement in ALS pathogenesis, and establishing links between CD4 T cell loss and disease acceleration. His research has led to preclinical trials of FDA-approved drugs and clinical trial planning.

• ALS Association Grant
• Patent on immune-modifying drug application in ALS
• Robert A. Epstein and Joan M. Chernoff-Epstein Emerging Scholar