Lluis Samaranch, Ph.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

I am a neuroscientist and translational researcher focused on developing gene therapies for neurological disorders. In 2019, I joined the Department of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor, following my work as a scientist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). I completed my PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Navarra in Spain, where I specialized in translational neuroscience.

My laboratory designs and tests gene therapy strategies targeting the central nervous system. We focus on improving delivery efficiency throughout direct brain infusions, cerebrospinal fluid administration, and prenatal gene transfer approaches to enhance therapeutic distribution and limit off-target exposure. Our research also includes the design of novel AAV capsids, the optimization of cell-type specificity and axonal transport, and the study of host immune responses to ensure long-term safety and efficacy.

My career bridges mechanistic neuroscience and clinical translation. From biomarker research to advanced CNS gene delivery, my work reflects a continued commitment to innovation in therapeutic development. With over 15 years of experience mentoring undergraduates, graduate students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows, I foster a collaborative, hands-on environment where trainees gain experience in stereotactic surgery, molecular and histological techniques, behavioral assays, and large-animal research.

Positions

  • 2023-present: Principal Investigator at Gene Therapy Institute (Ohio State University)

  • 2022-present: Affiliated Faculty at Center for Brain Injury Recovery & Discovery (Ohio State University)

  • 2021-present: Affiliated Faculty at Neuroscience Research Institute (Ohio State University)

  • 2019-present: Assistant Professor at OSU Neurological Surgery (Ohio State University)

Education & Training

  • 2014-2019: Research Scientist, Neurosurgery Department, University of California, San Francisco, USA

  • 2011-2014: Postdoctoral, Gene Therapy, Neurosurgery Department, University of California, San Francisco, USA

  • 2006-2010: Postdoctoral, Neurogenetics, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Spain

  • 2001-2006: Ph.D. Neuroscience, Neurology Department, University of Navarra, Spain

  • 1999-2001: B.S. Biochemistry, University of Navarra, Spain

  • 1995-2000: B.S. Biomedical Science, University of Navarra, Spain

Graduate Programs (Faculty mentor)

  • Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program (MCDB)

  • Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP)

  • Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP)

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