معرفی
Benjamin Russell Arenkiel is a Professor in the Molecular and Human Genetics and Neuroscience departments at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. He also holds the McNair Scholar title in Neuroscience. His research focuses on neural circuit formation and function, particularly in the olfactory system, basal forebrain, and hypothalamus. He explores how activity-dependent mechanisms and neuropeptides influence synaptogenesis and circuit plasticity.
Education:
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: HHMI-Duke University (2010)
- PhD: University of Utah School of Medicine (2004)
- BS: St. Cloud State University (1998)
Research Interests: Dr. Arenkiel studies synaptic connectivity, adult neurogenesis, and feeding behavior regulation. His lab uses genetic engineering, electrophysiology, and optical imaging to dissect circuit mechanisms. Key projects include mapping functional olfactory circuits, studying basal forebrain circuits in appetite control, and elucidating neuropeptide signaling in circuit plasticity.
Grants & Funding: Supported by the NIH (NINDS, NIDDK, NICHD), McNair Medical Institute, and Department of Defense. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational research in neural repair.
Labs/Teams: The Bijanki Lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on developing novel tools for neuronal circuit analysis and applying them to study synapse and circuit formation dynamics.
