Scott Parnell

Dr. Scott Parnell is an Associate Professor at the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill. His primary research focuses on understanding how drugs of abuse like alcohol and cannabinoids disrupt early embryonic development, particularly in the context of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). He leads the Parnell Lab, which investigates the pathogenic mechanisms of alcohol-induced birth defects and genetic susceptibilities using mouse models.

Dr. Parnell holds a PhD in Medical Sciences/Neuroscience from Texas A&M University (2004) and a B.A. in Biology from Texas A&M (1998). His postdoctoral training was completed at UNC-Chapel Hill (2004-2009). He is affiliated with the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities.

Key research interests include the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, primary cilia dysfunction, and gene-environment interactions in FASD. His lab employs advanced imaging techniques (e.g., magnetic resonance microscopy) and transcriptomic analyses to study developmental neurotoxicology. Recent work examines synergistic effects of alcohol and cannabinoids, genetic modifiers of alcohol sensitivity, and long-term behavioral impacts of prenatal exposure.

Dr. Parnell’s publications emphasize molecular mechanisms of teratogenesis, including studies on CB1 receptor interactions, Hedgehog pathway dysregulation, and N-acetylcysteine as a potential mitigation strategy. His work has implications for prevention and treatment strategies in FASD and related disorders.