Dr. Scarnati is a seasoned Neuroscientist with a passion for human disease modeling. Dr. Scarnati’s work is focused on elucidating the molecular mechanism(s) driving aberrant mitochondrial function in 3q29 deletion syndrome. Understanding these mechanism(s) we hope to identify potential interventions to improve the lives of people with this rare disorder. Ultimately, my work will assist in understanding how genetic factors influence the pathophysiology of complex neuropsychiatric conditions.
He completed his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. He then went on to complete a PhD in Neuroscience at Rutgers University where he discovered the occurrence of presynaptic protein synthesis in the mammalian CNS, for the first time. After a postdoctoral fellowship focused on utilizing patient derived stem cells to model drug use disorders under the tutelage of Dr. Zhiping Pang at the Child Health Institute at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, he left academics to pursue preclinical drug discovery with the hopes of bringing therapies to patients with unmet needs. Ultimately, his love for science and neuropsychiatric disease modeling brought him back to Rutgers to work with Dr. Mulle.
When not in the lab, Dr. Scarnati enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. Dr. Scarnati is a huge New York Yankees and Miami Dolphins fan as well as being an avid golfer.
Awards & Distinctions
- BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- PhD in Neuroscience