Mark Beenhakker

Mark Beenhakker is an Associate Professor (Courtesy Appointment) in the Department of Biology at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying epilepsy, neuronal network dynamics, and cellular signaling pathways. He leads the Beenhakker Lab, which investigates topics such as thalamic oscillations, astrocyte-neuron interactions, and the molecular basis of neurological disorders.

His work integrates electrophysiological, genetic, and pharmacological approaches to understand how disruptions in inhibitory signaling contribute to seizure activity. Recent studies explore the impact of early-life inflammation, calcium channel regulation, and anesthesia on neural development and function.

Publications span topics like GABAergic signaling, calcium bursts in adrenal cells, and the role of VIPergic neurons in feeding behavior. His research bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications in neurology and neuropharmacology.