Somnath Mukhopadhyay

Dr. Somnath Mukhopadhyay is an accomplished associate professor with tenure in the Neuroscience Research program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He is also the graduate program director in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at NCCU. Dr. Mukhopadhyay's academic journey began at the University of Calcutta, India, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry, respectively. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Neuro-Biochemistry at the same institution.

With a robust background in research, Dr. Mukhopadhyay has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of endocannabinoid and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. His research has spanned various physiological and pathological conditions, with a focus on cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R. Over the years, he has authored over 25 peer-reviewed manuscripts, contributing significantly to our understanding of cannabinoid receptor-G protein interactions and downstream signaling in diverse cell types.

Dr. Mukhopadhyay's current projects delve into the role of CB1R/CB2R in central and peripheral cytokine gene expression, particularly in the context of NeuroHIV-mediated neurocognitive impairment and memory loss. Additionally, he explores the impact of adolescent drug abuse, nanoplastic, and environmental toxin exposure on the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Mukhopadhyay has demonstrated leadership and mentoring prowess. He has served as the co-lead of the "Biomechanisms and Research Models (BRM)" core under the Research Capacity core of the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Center for Health Disparity Research. With numerous accolades, including the Young Scientist Award from the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, he continues to make significant contributions to the scientific community.

In his extensive academic career, Dr. Mukhopadhyay has held various positions, from junior research scholar in India to his current role as associate professor at NCCU. His commitment to education is evident in his role as the director of graduate programs in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and his involvement in the admission committee of NCCU's Integrated Bioscience Ph.D. program.

Dr. Mukhopadhyay's impact extends beyond his research and academic roles: he has also been recognized for his service to professional organizations, including the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and the International Cannabis Research Society.

In summary, Dr. Somnath Mukhopadhyay is a distinguished researcher, educator, and leader whose work has advanced our understanding of cannabinoid receptor signaling and its implications in various health conditions.