Mark Shapiro studied physics at the University of Chicago before completing a PhD in physiology with research focused on ion channels at Rush University Medical Center. He joined UTHSCSA after nine years as a senior fellow at the University of Washington. His current research spans the physiology and modulation of many different ion channels in neurons and other excitable cells. Many widespread illnesses, including epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders and diabetes, have ion channel dysfunction at their core. The Shapiro lab studies ion channels in nerve and cardiac cells using patch-clamp electrophysiology combined with biochemistry, novel types of microscopy, molecular biology and live single-cell imaging. He also uses super-resolution nanoscopy to probe the multi-protein complexes underlying these actions.