Laboratory Research

 
Laboratory Staff
Jeffrey Deitch, PhD is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory at Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Deitch earned his BS from Rutgers College and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 1986 from the University of Virginia. This was one of the first Neuroscience Graduate Programs in the country. His post-doctoral training involved pioneering studies in neuronal cell culture and laser confocal microscopy in laboratories at Albany Medical College and the New York State Department of Health. Dr. Deitch joined the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Pennsylvania as a Research Associate in 1992, and then served as Assistant Professor of Cell Biology at UMDNJ School of Osteopathic Medicine. In 1996 he joined the Department of Neurology faculty of what is now Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Deitch has published over 30 papers, chapters and abstracts on studies ranging from neurodegeneration in the auditory system to groundbreaking work on the fundamental structure of neurons, and teaches extensively on Neurological topics. He is currently conducting research projects on the effect of genetic background on ALS disease progression, on the potential use of “neurotrophic factors” as a therapeutic for ALS, and on developing stem cells for use in studying how ALS kills motor neurons.
 
Guillermo Alexander, PhD is a Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Alexander graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Miami in 1968. Following graduation, he entered the Air Force Officer Training School. Upon completion of officer training, was assigned to the National Parachute Test Center where he served for four years (1968-1972) as engineer in charge of the simulated human forms section of the instrumentation branch where he supervised the design, construction and repair of airborne telemetry systems for use in testing parachutes. Afterwards, he earned his MS in Biomedical Engineering from University of Miami in 1974 and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1982. His current research involves: 1) Basic research into the mechanisms of selective vulnerability responsible for cell death in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS; and 2) The study of biomarkers found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). These studies are designed to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying exaggerated pain states. Dr. Alexander has worked as a scientist and professor at numerous medical institutions, has penned a number of journal articles, and has co-authored several book chapters.