Christopher Potter

Christopher Potter is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and serves as Co-Director of the Neuroscience Training Program. He is based in the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and affiliated with the Center for Sensory Biology. His research focuses on the olfactory systems of Anopheles mosquitoes and how they detect human hosts, with the goal of developing novel strategies to prevent mosquito bites and malaria transmission.

• Institution: Johns Hopkins University
• School: School of Medicine
• Department: Department of Neuroscience
• Role: Professor, Co-Director of Neuroscience Training Program
• Contact: cpotter@jhmi.edu

Dr. Potter's research centers on insect olfaction, particularly the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying mosquito host-seeking behavior. His lab employs advanced neurogenetic tools, including the Q-system, to label and manipulate sensory neurons in Anopheles mosquitoes. Key areas include the function of odorant and ionotropic receptors, the effects of repellents on olfactory perception, and the genetic regulation of chemosensory gene expression. His work bridges molecular neuroscience, genetics, and vector biology to understand and disrupt disease transmission.

The recent publications (2020–2023) highlight a strong focus on mosquito olfactory neurogenetics, functional imaging, receptor mapping, and genetic tool development. Articles appear in high-impact journals such as Cell Reports, eLife, and Nature Communications, reflecting expertise in neural circuits, chemosensory biology, and transgenic methodologies. The research spans from molecular mechanisms (e.g., base editing, receptor expression) to organismal behavior (e.g., host-seeking, biting decisions).

While no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided text, Dr. Potter's leadership in developing genetic tools for mosquitoes and his influential publications indicate significant recognition in the field of sensory neuroscience and vector biology.

Dr. Potter mentors graduate students through the Neuroscience Training Program and the Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) program. His lab actively recruits motivated students and researchers. He has secured research grants supporting work on mosquito neurogenetics and sensory biology, though specific grant details are not listed. His lab develops and applies innovative techniques such as the Q-system and GCaMP-based calcium imaging to study mosquito olfaction at the neural level.

The Potter Lab is part of the Center for Sensory Biology at Johns Hopkins, where it contributes to a collaborative environment focused on understanding sensory systems. The lab specializes in mosquito neurogenetics, using transgenic Anopheles strains to investigate olfactory circuits and behaviors. Current projects include studying how repellents affect mosquito smell, characterizing olfactory receptor mutants, and exploring the neural basis of biting decisions.