Welcome to the Shen Lab
for Developmental & Clinical Neuroscience
at the University of North Carolina
The Shen Lab studies the brain development of infants with neurodevelopmental disabilities – including autism, fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and Angelman syndrome – to identify early markers and therapeutic targets.
Mark Shen, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at UNC School of Medicine in Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD). Dr. Shen is also the Co-Director of the CIDD Clinical Trials Program.
We are enrolling participants!
*For parents of an infant with fragile X syndrome: Click here for our study flyer
*For parents of an infant with Angelman syndrome: Click here for our study flyer
*For parents of an infant with an older sibling with autism: Click here to learn about the Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS)
*For parents of an infant with Down syndrome: Click here
Areas of Research
MRI studies of infants & toddlers
We use longitudinal neuroimaging, clinical assessment, and genetics to identify early markers and therapeutic targets in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism, fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and Angelman syndrome.
Uncover pathogenic mechanisms
We reverse-translate these neuroimaging findings in children to mechanistic studies in animal and cellular models of these conditions.
Clinical trials of novel therapeutics
We forward-translate our research to clinical trials, partnering with physicians to deliver novel gene-based therapies to children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Interested in learning more about the lab and how you can get involved?
Visit Us
Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD)
UNC School of Medicine at Chapel Hill
Our lab is located in the UNC-CIDD Research Building
100 Renee Lynne Court, 2nd Floor, Carrboro, NC 27510
Phone: (919) 966-8032
Clinical research visits are held in the CIDD Clinic Building
(across the parking lot from the lab)
101 Renee Lynne Court, Carrboro, NC 27510
Phone: (919) 966-5171