Margaret Elizabeth Ross

Margaret Elizabeth Ross is a Professor of Neuroscience and Nathan Cummings Professor in Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, affiliated with the Brain and Mind Research Institute. Her career spans over four decades, combining clinical neurology and fundamental research into neurodevelopmental disorders.

• MD and PhD in Neurogenetics (Cornell University, 1979-1982)
• BA in Biology (SUNY Binghamton, 1975)

Research Focus: Elucidating genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neural tube defects and related disorders. Key projects examine:

• Role of LRP6, Cyclin D2, and LIS1 in cortical development
• Gene-environment interactions in folate-responsive NTDs
• Single-cell isoform sequencing to map brain development
• Epigenetic regulation of neurovascular integrity

Scientific Contributions: Over 600 publications with high impact citations, including foundational work on:

• Wnt signaling in neural tube closure
• Protein isoform diversity in neurodevelopment
• Organoid models for schizophrenia and ASD
• Cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide pathways in ischemic injury

Grant Leadership: Principal investigator for NIH-funded projects including:

• NINDS R01 (2025-2030): Glucose transporter 1 in neural development
• NICHD R01 (2023-2028): Genetic complexity in spina bifida
• Co-investigator roles in psychiatric disease biobank initiatives

Collaborative Networks: Integrates genomic analysis with clinical translation through partnerships with:

• All of Us Research Program
• West Virginia Health Connection
• Interdisciplinary brain organoid working groups