Matthew Benskey, PhD
- Assistant Professor
- Department of Translational Neuroscience
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
- Grand Rapids Research Center
- 400 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- benskeym@msu.edu
Biography
Dr. Benskey joined the Faculty in the Department of Translational Neuroscience as a Research Assistant Professor in Fall of 2016 and is now an Assistant Professor. Dr. Benskey received undergraduate training in Psychology and Neuroscience at Central Michigan University, after which he completed a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Michigan State University. He then completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at Michigan State University where he studied the molecular neurobiology of Parkinson’s Disease, with a specific focus on how viral vectors can be used to both model and potentially treat neuropathology. Dr. Benskey’s current research aims to understand the role that neuro-immune interactions play in Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of the lab he enjoys painting, playing the guitar and wandering in the woods with his dogs.
Education
| Institution | Field of Study | Degree Earned | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan University | Psychology/ Neuroscience | B.S. | 2008 |
| Michigan State University | Neuroscience | Ph.D. | 2013 |
| Michigan State University | Neuroscience | Post-Doctoral Fellow | 2013-2016 |
Research Interests
Dr. Benskey’s research is focused on understanding how perturbations in specific proteins, such as alpha synuclein and tau, can elicit a potentially toxic neuroinflammatory response. Current studies focus on the molecular mechanism by which glia (microglia and astrocytes) may coordinate the selective degeneration of neurons. Dr. Benskey’s research program utilizes a broad range of experimental approaches to investigate the pathological consequences of proteinopathy, with the ultimate goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Technical Expertise
- Viral Vector design, production and application (adeno-associated virus, lentivirus)
- Molecular cloning
- Cell Culture
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunofluorescence
- Microscopy (brightfield, confocal)
- SDS-PAGE
- Western blotting
- Gene expression analysis (ddPCR)
- Small animal surgery
- Rodent behavioral analysis
- Rodent models of Parkinson’s disease