Ian M. Dickerson

Ian M. Dickerson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on signal transduction mechanisms of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), particularly its role in migraine, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. He also pioneers carbon nanotube-based technologies for high-efficiency gene transfer. Dr. Dickerson earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Purdue University and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Neuroscience. His honors include NIH NRSA and Stanley Glaser Fellowships, and the UM Dean's Award for Excellence in Research. His lab investigates CGRP receptor components (CLR, RAMP1, RCP) and their applications in cancer therapy, while developing nanotube platforms for CRISPR editing and CAR-T cell therapies. Collaborations span Biomedical Engineering and Neurobiology programs.

Dr. Dickerson's research bridges molecular biology, nanotechnology, and clinical applications. Recent work includes CGRP's role in fracture healing, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein uptake via ACE2/gangliosides, and therapeutic targeting of CGRP receptors in glioma and breast cancer. His lab's carbon nanotube arrays enable gene delivery in challenging cell types like T-cells and stem cells. He mentors students in neuropharmacology, peptide processing, and biomedical innovation, with alumni advancing to medical and graduate studies.

Key projects include cloning RCP's role in GPCR activation, developing nanotube-mediated gene transfer systems, and exploring CGRP's dual roles in physiology/pathology. His lab collaborates with the Schrlau Lab (RIT) on nanotechnology, and with clinical partners on migraine and cancer therapies. Patents include CGRP antagonists for cancer treatment and nanotube-based delivery systems.