ASD Researchers at UNC

Associate Director, UNC Neuroscience Center

Ben Philpot, Ph.D., is the Kenan Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Associate Director of the UNC Neuroscience Center, and Co-Director of the UNC NIH T32 Post Doctoral Research Training Program.

Dr. Philpot’s research investigates the molecular, cellular, and neural circuitry mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, with the goal of discovering novel therapeutic opportunities.His lab is passionate about identifying treatments for monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett, Pitt-Hopkins, and Angelman syndromes. Dr. Philpot’s work is focused primarily on the following projects:  (1) the synaptic basis for Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, and (2) the role of NMDA receptors in neural development. He has published more than 70 articles.

Dr. Philpot is a recipient of the Dr. Claudia Benton Award for Scientific Research, awarded by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation for demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing the scientific knowledge as it pertains to Angelman syndrome. In 2010, he received the Daniel X. Freedman Award for outstanding basic research achievement by a NARSAD Young Investigator. In 2016, Dr. Philpot was the co-recipient of the first gene therapy grant awarded by the Pitt-Hopkins Research Foundation.