Mark Ellisman

Mark Ellisman is a Professor of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego's School of Medicine. He directs the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research (NCMIR), a leading resource for advanced electron microscopy and 3D imaging technologies. His research integrates molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience with a focus on ultrastructural analysis of neural circuits, mitochondrial dynamics in neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer's), circadian biology, and synaptic plasticity.

Ellisman's work employs cutting-edge techniques including multiscale electron microscopy, correlated light/EM, and computational modeling. Key research themes include:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and neurodegenerative disorders
• Nanoscale architecture of synapses and memory engrams
• Mechanisms of neuroinflammation and vascular contributions to cognitive decline
• Development of novel imaging probes and computational tools for connectomics

His publication trends emphasize high-resolution imaging of neural and subcellular structures (e.g., photoreceptors, synapses, chromatin), disease mechanisms in Alzheimer's/glaucoma, and circadian neuroplasticity. Recent articles frequently utilize genetically encoded tags for EM, volume EM reconstruction, and multimodal imaging.

Ellisman leads major NIH-funded initiatives including the BRAIN Technology Resource for scalable electron tomography (MH129261), studies on mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's (AG081037), and instrumentation grants supporting advanced EM infrastructure. He mentors interdisciplinary teams at NCMIR developing open-source tools for large-scale EM data analysis.