David Feliciano

David Feliciano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University's College of Science. His research focuses on translating fundamental biological insights about the brain into clinically relevant understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders such as cancer, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disability.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Neurosurgery & Cellular and Molecular Physiology – Yale University (2013)
• Ph.D., Pharmacology – State University of New York at Buffalo (2008)
• B.S., Biochemical Pharmacology – State University of New York at Buffalo (2003)

Research Focus:
Feliciano’s lab investigates gene mutations that drive neurological diseases, particularly Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). His team employs mouse models, neural stem cell electroporation, extracellular vesicle analysis, and advanced imaging to dissect how dysregulated mTOR signaling leads to cortical malformations and tumor formation.

Funding & Grants:
In 2020 he secured a $667,000 Department of Defense grant (W81XWH-19-TSCRP-IDA) to develop a novel TSC mouse model that recapitulates subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) and to test two candidate drug therapies aimed at blocking SEGA formation.

Awards & Honors:

• Epilepsy Foundation Fellowship (2009)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA (2010)
• NIH LRP Pediatric Research Award (2010)
• Vicky H. Whittemore Award (2012)
• Whitehall Foundation Research Award (2015)

Teaching & Mentorship:
Feliciano teaches graduate courses including Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Core, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurobiology, Cell Biology, and Senior Seminar. His current trainees include Victoria Neckles, Tori Riley, Aidan Sokolov, and Jennie Holmberg.

Laboratory & Collaboration:
He directs the Feliciano Lab (https://neurun.wixsite.com/felicianolab), which collaborates with institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, the C.S. Mott Center, Cold Spring Harbor Asia, the Allen Brain Institute, and multiple universities across the United States.