In honor of our 10th anniversary, here is a spotlight on Eric Marsh, MD, PhD. Dr. Marsh is an Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Where do you work?

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania.

Tell us about your research. (Assume we know nothing!)

I perform translational research working with both people and mice trying to understand how genetic changes like mutations in CDKL5 lead to seizures and cognitive changes in the developing brain. I perform studies in animals that use EEG and other physiological methods to determine how genetic changes lead to changes in the brain and then use similar methods (EEG and evoke potentials) in humans to see if there are markers we can use to see how any child responds to treatment.

What interests you most about your area of study?

I am most interested in how the brain changes and adapts to changes in genes that are important for brain development. This lets us learn about both the normal workings of the brain as well as disease and together leads to new ways to treat disease.

When was the moment you first fell in love with science?

When I was in high school and starting thinking about how I think and feel and how the brain works.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I like to hang out with my family, run/bike for exercise and enjoyment, hike and spend time outdoors, and cook.