Dr. Randy Blakely is the Allan D. Bass Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry in the department of pharmacology, at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, and the director of the Center for Molecular Neuroscience at the Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research.

After graduating from Emory University with his undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in biology, Dr. Blakely went on to receive his PhD in neuroscience from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. Blakely's laboratory explores the molecular basis for neurotransmitter transporter structure, function and regulation. The lab uses chimera, site-directed mutagenesis and site-specific chemical modification strategies to explore the topology and quaternary structure of biogenic amine transporters. The lab is evaluating which molecules control the proper localization and activity of transporter proteins using genetic (C.elegans), and molecular biologic methods. The lab is also evaluating whether human transporter polymorphisms impact the biosynthesis, trafficking and function of transporters and confer increased risk for autonomic, neurologic and mental disorders.