Andrew Tidball, PhD
Research Assistant Professor

Andrew is research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of malformations of human central nervous system (CNS) development, including focal cortical dysplasia and neural tube defects. Dozens of potentially causative de novo mutations (DNMs) have recently been identified for each of these conditions due to advances in sequencing technology. His research seeks to provide evidence for the causality of these genetic variants and understanding the mechanisms by which they cause CNS malformations.  He is also interested in the mechanisms of neuro-teratogens, compounds that disrupt development of the CNS when ingested by pregnant women. For all these studies, Dr. Tidball employs human induced pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids combined with CRISPR gene-editing and transcriptional interference. A novel technique he developed for consistently producing self-organizing single-rosette cortical spheroids (SOSRS) provides a standardized system for assessing structural differences of early brain development, and his research relies heavily on this technique in both current and future research projects.


Andrew obtained his PhD at Vanderbilt University in the lab of Dr. Aaron Bowman where he studied potential environmental influence of metal ion exposure in both Huntington's and Parkinson's disease using human induced pluripotent stem cells. Andrew has a passion for science that goes beyond the lab. He is an avid science news and science fiction reader, space enthusiast, aquarist, and cook. He is also interested in the cultural influence of science and the intersection between science and religion throughout history. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife Samantha, children Desmond and Briley, and his dog Chloe where they enjoy the many parks and museums.

Research Interests
Human induced pluripotent stem cells, models of genetic epilepsy, drug discovery.

Credentials
Undergraduate
  • Calvin College, BS Biochemistry (ACS Certified) 2004-2008
Graduate
  • Vanderbilt University, PhD Neuroscience, 2008-2014
Postdoctoral fellowship, 
  • Neurology Dept., University of Michigan Health System, 2014-2019