James A. Frank

James A. Frank serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), holding a joint appointment at the Vollum Institute since his promotion in 2021 following his Vollum Fellowship appointment in 2018.

His academic foundation includes:

• B.Sc. in Chemistry, University of British Columbia (2012)
• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (2017)

Dr. Frank's research integrates chemical biology and photopharmacology to investigate lipid signaling mechanisms, with emphasis on endocannabinoid systems, neural circuit modulation, and optical control techniques for membrane-localized processes. His work bridges fundamental biophysics with neurological applications, particularly in addictive behavior and membrane dynamics.

His publication portfolio reveals a consistent trajectory in developing photoswitchable lipid probes for precise spatiotemporal control of biological targets, spanning from molecular-scale membrane studies to in vivo behavioral interventions in rodent models.

Dr. Frank has received significant recognition through the Vollum Fellowship.

• Vollum Fellow

No public information regarding student advising or grant funding specifics was available in the source materials.

The Frank Lab at OHSU focuses on engineering innovative optical tools to dissect membrane signaling events and their pathological roles in neurological disorders, leveraging expertise in synthetic chemistry, biophysics, and neuroscience.