J. Elliott Robinson, MD, PhD

J. Elliott Robinson, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Rasopathy Program within the Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.123 He is a neurobiologist whose research focuses on understanding and treating cognitive symptoms associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and other Rasopathies.1

Education and Training

Dr. Robinson received his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in 2007. He then completed his MD and PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016.1 Following his doctoral studies, he conducted postdoctoral research in Dr. Viviana Gradinaru's laboratory at the California Institute of Technology from 2016 to 2020.1

Research Focus

Dr. Robinson's lab investigates the structure and function of neural circuits involved in reward, motivation, and attention in mouse models of NF1. They employ advanced neuroscience technologies, including:

• Genetically encoded calcium and neurotransmitter sensors
• Optogenetics
• Patch clamp electrophysiology
• Viral vector-based circuit mapping techniques1

Additionally, Dr. Robinson is working on developing systemic adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies to restore normal brain function in NF1 and other Rasopathies.1

Achievements and Honors

Dr. Robinson has received several notable awards and recognitions:

• Simons Foundation Bridge to Independence Awardee (2019)
• Children's Tumor Foundation's Young Investigator Award (2016)
• Member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society (2016)1

His research has been published in prestigious journals such as Cell Reports, The Journal of Neuroscience, and Nature Methods.1

Dr. Robinson's work aims to improve children's lives through translational neuroscience, with a particular focus on understanding and treating cognitive symptoms associated with NF1 and related disorders.1