Dr. Brian Capell

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Dr. Brian Capell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. He holds an MD and a PhD in Cellular Molecular Biology from New York University, with the latter earned in 2008. His clinical expertise includes squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. His research focuses on epigenetics and its intersections with cancer, immunity, and metabolism. The Capell Lab investigates how the epigenome impacts cellular homeostasis and contributes to cancer, particularly in epithelial tissues like skin. The lab employs both in vivo models and human patient samples combined with cutting-edge epigenetic approaches to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities and novel treatment targets. A significant aspect of his research explores the interplay between the epigenome and the immune response, particularly in the context of skin cancer and other epithelial diseases. Dr. Capell has also made contributions to understanding how diet and lipid metabolism influence oncogenic signaling and antitumor immunity. His work on sex chromosome complements aims to elucidate the mechanisms behind the observed sex differences in various diseases, including skin cancer. He is affiliated with several medical centers and institutes, including the Pennsylvania Hospital and the Abramson Cancer Center.

Research Interests

Experience

Attending Physician

2013-01-01 — Present

Hospital University of Pennsylvania, Department of Dermatology • Philadelphia, PA

Clinical practice and training in dermatology, specializing in skin cancer.

Co-Director

2017-01-01 — Present

Data Sciences Informatics Core, Penn Skin Biology Diseases Resource-based Center • Philadelphia, PA

Overseeing the data sciences informatics core related to skin diseases.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2013-01-01 — 2017-01-01

Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Conducted research focusing on the intersection of epigenetics and skin biology.

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.