Faculty Directory
Get to know NUIN faculty by searching our directory below. Browse, filter the faculty list or search by keyword to learn more. For a complete list, see our alphabetical list of faculty.
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Ana Maria Acosta, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
I am interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying movement impairments after neural injury or disease and how the nervous system adapts. Current work examines the role of the trunk and the shoulder complex in the motor control of the arm in individuals with brain injury resulting from a stroke. Additional work looks at other aspects of arm movement like the stretch reflex also in stroke and developing rehabilitation interventions to address these movement impairments.
Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
Atique Ahmed, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.ahmed-lab.org
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neuro-oncology
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Translational Research
Research Interest Description:
Glioblastoma is a devastating disease that currently carries a median survival of 21 months. This is primarily due to the high rate of recurrence. At the Ahmed Lab, our goal is to study brain tumor progression and resistance mechanisms to develop novel and creative therapeutic strategies. The focus of our laboratory research is to: 1) Understand what genetic factors drive primary GBM to be so aggressive; 2) To elucidate the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in brain tumor; 3) Investigating the role of cellular plasticity in promoting the cancer stem cell niche and disease recurrence; 4) and finally, identify actionable targets and untested drugs for conduct clinical trials to help a patient population desperate for new effective treatments.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Ivan Alekseichuk, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/neuromodlab/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuropharmacology, Neural Engineering
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Transcranial Brain Stimulation, Human Electrophysiology
Research Interest Description:
The Precision Neuromodulation Lab investigates how macroscopic neural communications in the human brain encode cognition and emotions in wellness and disorders. We are concurrently developing and applying noninvasive brain stimulation techniques with neuroimaging to understand the causality of brain-behavior interactions. Additionally, we are developing novel brain stimulation-based treatments in psychiatry. Our experimental program includes neuropsychological studies in mood regulation, decision-making, and memory as well as clinical trials in device-based interventional therapies for mental health. Our goal is to enable promising neuroscientific theories about the human brain through interventional experiments and to advance interventional brain therapies according to the precision medicine framework.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Emma Alexander, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://www.alexander.vision
Research Types: Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling
Research Interest Description:
I am interested in low-level, bio-inspired, physics-based computer vision. New understanding of animals' brains and behavior can inspire new technology, particularly in the imaging and image processing domains. By reverse engineering principles of natural vision, my group contributes to the next generation of cameras and displays.
Associate Professor of Molecular Biosciences
Erik Andersen, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://www.andersenlab.org
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Computation and Modeling, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Erik Andersen is a molecular and statistical geneticist working on behavioral and neurophysiological traits that differ among individuals in a population. In his lab, he uses classical, quantitative, and molecular genetics in the roundworms Caenorhabditis elegans, Caenorhabditis briggsae, and Pristionchus pacificus to identify variant genes and relate them back to conserved human pathways.The laboratory has broad research interests, such as behavioral adaptations to microbial stresses, quiescence and swimming assays, and aging-related behavioral decline.
Professor of Neuroscience
Vania Apkarian, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://apkarianlab.northwestern.edu/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuropharmacology, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics
Research Interest Description:
We study brain mechanisms of acute and chronic pain, in humans and rodent models, using multiple technologies. The CTPR is a collaboration between multiple neuroscience labs with the aim of untangling opiate addiction and analgesia in chronic pain.
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Shana Augustin, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
The Augustin lab studies neuromodulation and associated intracellular signaling pathways that contribute to synaptic efficacy and circuit functions involved in decision making and behavior, as well as alcohol and substance use disorder. We are particularly interested in dopamine and endocannabinoid roles in these processes. Our lab uses optical imaging techniques combined with electrophysiology, pharmacology, and behavior.
Professor of Neurology
Raj Awatramani, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurodevelopment, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing
Research Interest Description:
Dysfunctional dopamine (DA) signaling has been associated with a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders, prompting investigations into how midbrain DA neuron heterogeneity may underpin this variety of behavioral symptoms. Emerging literature indeed points to functional heterogeneity even within anatomically defined DA clusters. Recognizing the need for a systematic classification scheme, we have used single-cell profiling to catalog DA neurons based on their gene expression profiles. The goal of my laboratory is to continue to refine our classification of midbrain DA neurons and determine their anatomical and functional properties in normal and diseased states. We also aim to understand developmental mechanisms underpinning this remarkable heterogeneity.
Jim Baker, PhD
Professor of Neuroscience
Jim Baker, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Motor Control, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing
Research Interest Description:
My lab has closed and I now concentrate on teaching and assisting other motor systems labs. Our history is the study sensory-motor processing in vestibular and oculomotor systems, in mice and other mammals. Single neurons, electromyographic activity, and eye and head movements are recorded during voluntary movements and reflex movements elicited by head and body rotations.
Charles F. Kettering Professor of Medicine - Endocrinology
Joseph Bass, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/bass/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroendocrinology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our focus is on the role of the circadian system in the coordination of behavior and physiology applying genetic approaches to reveal how clocks function within the CNS and peripheral tissues to influence sleep, feeding, and metabolism. We established that peripheral tissue clocks in liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreas are essential for health; that diet feeds back to influence circadian behavioral and transcriptional cycles; and that the circadian transcriptional cycle generates rhythmic cycles of NAD+ biosynthesis and, in turn, controls the activity of the of the NAD+ dependent histone deacetylase SIRT1. We study how NAD-SIRT1-CLOCK axis regulates sleep/wake rhythms and are dissecting the neurocircuitry linking metabolic and appetitive centers in hypothalamus with those controlling circadian activity. We address questions: How is neuronal control of body weight integrated with the daily sleep/wake cycle? How does disruption of specific cells and circuits linking sleep/wake and appetitive centers impact obesity and its treatment?
Professor of Psychology
Mark Beeman, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/markbeemanlab/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience
Faculty Technique: Quantitative Behavior, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
I research creative cognition and the cognitive and neural bases of how people solve problems with sudden insight. I investigate how problem solving and other cognition interacts with mood, attention and cognitive control, as well as sleep and other factors. I also have interests (and occasionally research) complex language comprehension and hemispheric differences.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Kynon J Benjamin, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://krotosbenjamin.github.io
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
At the Health Equity for Advancing Research and Technology using Genomic Neuroscience (HEART-GeN) lab, we aim to improve therapeutics for underrepresented communities by investigating the influence of genetic ancestry on molecular signatures in the brain. We use computational tools and disease-relevant models such as postmortem brain tissues, brain organoids, and iPSC-derived glial cells to uncover how genetic ancestry impacts complex traits in the brain. This integrative approach provides insights into the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in complex brain disorders.
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology)
Lisa Beutler, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neuroendocrinology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
My lab studies the neural dynamics and molecular mechanisms of nutrient-mediated gut-brain communication. Specifically, we are interested in how these processes help mediate energy homeostasis and how they become dysregulated in disease states.
Professor of Neuroscience
Mark Bevan, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/bevan/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neuronal Cell Biology, Motor Control, Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology of Disease, plasticity
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Computation and Modeling, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our research is focused on the basal ganglia, a group of subcortical brain nuclei critical for the motivation, selection, and execution of action sequences and the primary site of dysfunction in psychomotor disorders including Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Our long-term research goals are to define the cellular, synaptic, and circuit mechanisms underlying normal and pathological basal ganglia activity and their linkage to psychomotor function and dysfunction. We have published expertise in in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology, neuroanatomy at the light and electron microscopic levels, optogenetics, chemogenetics, 2-photon microscopy and uncaging, molecular profiling and manipulation, computational modeling, and mouse behavior.
Associate Professor of Neurology (Behavioral Neurology)
Borna Bonakdarpour, MD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/bonakdarpour/index.html
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
1- Neurobiology of language impairment in aphasia and network-based interventions.
2- Clinical application and investigation of efficacy of music interventions for neurologic patients.
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Thomas Bozza, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://groups.nbp.northwestern.edu/bozza/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Genetics and Epigenetics, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Mechanisms of monoallelic gene expression: Genes that impart cell type identity (such as antigen receptors) are frequently expressed from only one allele, so called monoallelic expression. In the olfactory system, each sensory neuron in the mouse nasal cavity expresses only one allele of one receptor gene (from over 2,000 possible alleles). We are investigating the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that are responsible for this selective gene choice using transgenics, gene targeting, CRISPR/Cas9 based genome manipulation, and gene expression analysis. Mechanisms underlying innate and learned olfactory behaviors: Many mammals exhibit robust olfactory-driven behaviors, including predator avoidance, prey tracking, aggression, and mating. We are interested in the biological underpinnings of olfactory abilities and the genes and neural circuits that underlie innate olfactory behaviors. We have identified olfactory receptors and associated sensory neurons that drive innate behaviors in mice and are examining how they impact olfactory function.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Rodrigo Braga, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://bragalab.com
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Braga studies the functional organization of large-scale networks in association zones of the human brain. This research helps us to understand the mechanisms of human cognitive faculties, such as our ability to think about the past and future and use language for effective communication. The Braga Lab uses a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), intracranial recordings (iEEG/ECOG) and intracranial electric stimulation to characterize the dynamic activity of the association networks, using high-resolution and within-individual estimates of brain organization.
Professor and Chair of Pathology
Daniel Brat, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease
Research Interest Description:
The Brat Lab investigates the glioma biology related to genetics, hypoxia, stem cells and immune response. We proposed that vaso-occlusion and intravascular thrombosis within gliomas results in tumor micro-environmental (TME) changes and accelerated neoplastic expansion. We study the TME dynamics, especially related to glioma stem cell (GSC) enrichment and the influx of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). We monitor glioma dynamics in a mouse mode using multipohoton microscopy following the onset of necrosis. We also study specialized biologic properties GSC, including their ability to divide asymmetrically. The Drosophila brain tumor (brat) gene normally regulates asymmetric cellular division in the CNS of flies and, when mutated, leads to a massive brain containing only neuroblastic cells with tumor-like properties. We study human homologs for their role in regulating asymmetric cell division and stem-like properties in GSCs. We use Drosphila as the discovery model and translate findings to genetically characterized mouse models.
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Molly Bright, DPhil
Campus Location: Both
Website: http://brightlab.northwestern.edu
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurovascular function
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
The Applied Neuro-Vascular Imaging Lab (ANVIL) uses advanced MRI techniques to assess the interaction of neural activity and vascular physiology in healthy brains and neurological pathology. This involves the design and implementation of tools to stimulate or monitor human physiology during MRI scanning, and the development of specialized MRI acquisition methods to characterize neuro-vascular function. In combination with bespoke signal processing pipelines developed in our lab, we aim to produce robust quantitative imaging biomarkers for studying Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and the response of individual patients to personalized therapeutic interventions. This work is in collaboration with Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Radiology, the Center for Translational Imaging, the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience program, and the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Gemma Carvill, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/carvilllab/
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
The primary goal of our research is to use gene discovery and molecular biology approaches to identify new treatments for epilepsy. We aim to identify the genetic causes of epilepsy and use stem cell models to understand how these genetic variants can cause epilepsy. Our work is based on the promise of precision medicine where knowledge of an individual’s genetic makeup shapes a personalized approach to care and management of epilepsy.
Associate Professor of Neuroscience
C. Savio Chan, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.saviochanlab.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control, Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology of Disease, glial biology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
Our long-term research goal is to define cell and circuit elements that are involved in basal ganglia function and dysfunction. Our research aims to provide an improved framework for the development of novel treatments for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and other related disorders. By using a multidisciplinary approach, a major focus of our research centers on better understanding the external globus pallidus and its role in voluntary movements.
Professor of Medicine
Navdeep Chandel, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://www.chandellab.com/home
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Motor Control, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Metabolomics
Research Interest Description:
Neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Alzheimer disease (AD) have all been linked to metabolic dysregulation. We are using mouse models and IPSCs to test whether metabolic dysfunction is a causal agent rather than a hallmark of these diseases. This work is complemented by our work on primary mitochondrial disease mouse models that manifest neurological symptoms.
Professor of Neurology
Shi-Yuan Cheng, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Brain tumors
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
My lab studies the cancer biology and therapy responses of brain tumors, in particular brain gliomas. Our current focuses are on novel cellular signal, RNA biology including RNA splicing, circular RNA, long non-coidng RNAs in glioma, targeting autophagy and mechanisms underlying therapy resistance of gliomas. We are using bioinformatics, patient-derived glioma stem cells, GBM PDXs, hiPSC-derived glioma avatars, cell lines, clinical tumor specimens, and other model systems.
Assistant Professor of Pathology
Insup Choi, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
Understanding the neuronal environment is crucial for addressing neurodegenerative diseases, akin to examining withering trees in a garden. Our research focuses on microglia, brain-resident macrophages, in conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. We investigate the impact of senescent microglia using genetic mouse models and cell cultures. Senescent cells, accumulating with age, exhibit distinct changes and can damage their environment through pro-inflammatory factors, potentially leading to loss of neuroprotective functions and increased brain inflammation. Our aims are to elucidate:-How disease conditions promote microglial senescence
-Mechanisms linking senescent microglia to neurotoxicity
-Influence of genetic risk factors on these pathways
Using reporter mice to detect senescent cells in disease models, we seek to uncover insights into microglial senescence and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets.
Professor of Neuroscience
Anis Contractor, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://contractorlab.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Research in our laboratory is directed at understanding the fundamental mechanisms of synaptic communication and how these processes go wrong in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Daniel Corcos, PhD, BEd,MA,MSc
Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Daniel Corcos, PhD, BEd,MA,MSc
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/danielcorcos/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging, TMS and EMG
Research Interest Description:
Daniel Corcos is a movement neuroscientist working on “human electrophysiology” using TMS, fMRI, EEG, EMG as well as neuronal recordings the sub thalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing brain surgery. The primary goal of his research is to understand the mechanisms underlying therapeutic interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease. One line of research studies how progressive resistance exercise improves the motor and non-motor systems of people with Parkinson’s disease. A second line of research focuses on endurance exercise. The third line of research focuses on how deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus and the subthalamic nucleus affect the motor and non-motor systems of people with Parkinson’s disease.
Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
R. James Cotton, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Three pertinent research lines in my lab:
- computer vision for movement analysis, primarily gait analysis in neurorehab, with a focus on inferring the capacity of the nervous system and guiding precision rehabilitation
- EMG and kinematic biofeedback for people with spinal cord injury, combined with neuromodulation
- development of next generation BCI system (wireless 65k, fully implanted system) with non-human primate and human trials
Research Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Fabian David, PhD, PT,MS
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=KIQOPXkAAAAJ
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Sensory Systems, Parkinson's disease
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
My current research focus is on the therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation surgery and the neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie these effects in persons with Parkinson’s disease.
Assistant Professor of Medicine - Pulmonary and Critical Care
Shawn Davidson, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Research Interest Description:
My research focuses on the intersection of metabolism and neuroscience, particularly how metabolic dysfunctions contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. I employ spatial metabolomics to dissect cell-type specific metabolic changes within the brain, aiming to elucidate their roles in neurological conditions. This approach allows for the identification of novel therapeutic targets by uncovering the underlying metabolic pathways that influence brain health. My goal is to advance our understanding of the metabolic basis of neurodegeneration, offering new avenues for treatment and prevention strategies.
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Paul DeCaen, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://decaenlab.com
Research Types: Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurobiology of Disease, ion channels
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
Pharmacology of neuronal targets and the structural biophysics of ion channels
Professor of Ophthalmology
Steve DeVries, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Proteomics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
We study signal processing in both the outer and inner retina. In the outer retina, we focus on how signals are transformed at the cone photoreceptor to Off bipolar cell synapse. My lab was the first to routinely record in voltage clamp from synaptically connected cells in the retina, allowing us to directly observe how signals are modified at synapses. The cone synapse is one of the most structurally complex synapses in the CNS. We have shown that each anatomical type of Off bipolar cell receives a different signal from a cone. We currently use transcriptomics, super-resolution microscopy, electrophysiology, and proteomics to in our quest to understand the design of the cone synapse. The bulk of specialized computation in the retina occurs in the inner synaptic layer. With my colleague Dr Yongling Zhu, we examine this processing with rabies virus tracing, two-photon microscopy, and optogenetics.
Professor and Chair of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Julius P Dewald, PhD, PT
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/research-faculty/directory/affiliated/dewald-julius.html
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Behavior, Rehabiliation Robotics
Research Interest Description:
Our Neuroimaging and Motor Control Laboratories are dedicated to understanding motor recovery following stroke, in learning the role of brain plasticity in recovery, and in developing novel therapeutic training techniques to improve arm function following cerebrovascular accident. Our research is directed towards adults who have had a stroke as well as children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy. While our research efforts are integrative, it can be sectioned and described in the context of Neuroimaging, Impairment Quantification, Neural Machine Interface, Intervention Studies, Device Development, Clinical Outcome Correlations, and Research Registries. The recovery process from stroke is characterized by the emergence of stereotypic multi-joint movement patterns that reflect a loss of independent joint control at both the arm and leg as well as discoordination at the level of the trunk. We quantify this using a number of mechatronic and signal analysis approaches and interpret the results using various neuroscientific hypotheses.
Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Sumit Dhar, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://hearing.northwestern.edu
Research Types: Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
Our current work has two main directions. We are interested in understanding the physiological mechanisms responsible for the generation and propagation of sounds that are generated in the inner ear and can be recorded by placing a small microphone in the ear canal (otoacoustic emissions). Additionally, we are interested in understanding the relationship between the processes that generate otoacoustic emissions and functional hearing capabilities in humans. We have conducted experiments and developed techniques to parse out various constituent parts of otoacoustic emissions recorded in the ear canal. We are also evaluating the feasibility of using otoacoustic emissions as a non-invasive probe into maturation and aging of the human auditory periphery. Another interest is in the use of otoacoustic emissions to probe the modulation of the auditory periphery by the efferent nervous system.
Professor of Neurobiology
Daniel Dombeck, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://dombecklab.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Motor Control
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Virtual reality
Research Interest Description:
The neuronal activity underlying mammalian spatial navigation represents one of the most striking examples of behavioral correlation in the brain. Dr. Dombeck’s lab is interested in the cellular and circuit mechanisms responsible for the neuronal activity that allows mammals to navigate and form spatial memories. To accomplish this, the lab develops and applies novel optical and genetic techniques to perform cellular and subcellular resolution imaging and manipulation of neuronal activity in mice navigating in virtual reality environments. By understanding the spatial navigation circuitry, it will hopefully be possible to extract general principles about neuronal circuit dynamics and memory formation in behaving mammals.
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Hongxin Dong, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Genetics and Epigenetics, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuroendocrinology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics, Establish animal models for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders
Research Interest Description:
Laboratory of Translational Neurobiology led by Dr. Dong focuses on the interaction of genetic and environmental influences on aging and their relevance to the neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The goal of our research is to use both clinical data (premortem clinical assessments and postmortem tissues analyses) and animal models (established and new animal models) to discover novel molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms and their interactions underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD. Our research aligns with the development of therapeutic strategies to delay disease onset and slow disease progression. Importantly, the laboratory is also an education center in which many undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows train to become successful, independent research faculty, highly-skilled clinicians, and leaders in industry, both nationally and internationally. Our commitment to scientific discovery and education will further our understanding of neurobiology during aging and impact the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders in the future.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Benayahu Elbaz-Eilon, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/elbazlab/
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Genetics and Epigenetics, Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
We are investigating the mechanisms that regulate myelin-forming cell development and function. Myelin is a multilayer lipid membrane structure that ensheaths and insulates axons, allowing for the efficient propagation of action potentials along axons. Myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In the CNS, our research is focused on the transcriptional control of oligodendrocyte differentiation and CNS myelin formation. In the PNS, our research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of PNS injury, recovery, and remyelination.
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Michael Ellis, PT, DPT, MPT
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/pthms/research/faculty-labs/ellis.html
Research Types: Movement & Rehabilitation, Stroke Recovery
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Quantitative Behavior, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
My research employs several innovative methods designed to elucidate neural mechanisms underlying impaired movement, deliver targeted restorative therapies, and evaluate processes of recovery in individuals with stroke. All of my lab’s work is in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team including colleagues with expertise in engineering, neuroscience, and rehabilitation medicine. I strive to advance both our understanding of the motor system processes of stroke recovery and the means by which rehabilitation specialists treat movement impairments. This work spans the translational spectrum from discovery of neural mechanisms responsible for movement discoordination to investigation of new interventions in clinical trials.
Associate Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Adriana Ferreira, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/ferreira/
Research Types: Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Biochemistry
Research Interest Description:
The long-term goal of my research is to understand, from a cell and molecular biological perspective, how mammalian central neurons establish and maintain specific synaptic connections.
Andrew Fink, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Andrew Fink, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Our research addresses a deep, yet poorly understood problem that straddles cognitive neuroscience and mechanistic neurobiology. How does an organism learn the structure of its world? What objects are out there? How do they relate to one another? Such unsupervised, task-free, learning has been captured studied for over a century (e.g. Tolman’s latent learning), yet the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain mysterious. We use the rodent olfactory circuit to study the neurophysiological, circuit, and network processes that endow biological organisms with this rich cognitive faculty. We have developed: (1) novel behavioral approaches for this problem; (2) methods for long-term observation of neurophysiological activity; and (3) in close collaboration with theoreticians, a deep learning approach for inferring synaptic connectivity and plasticity in vivo. This opens up unprecedented opportunity to study how the connectivity of a network evolves over time and how that plasticity produces changes in network function and behavior.
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
James Fitzgerald, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling
Research Interest Description:
I am a theoretical neuroscientist with active interests in sensory processing, learning and memory, motor control, whole-brain dynamics, and neural networks. My lab combines first-principles theory, phenomenological modeling, data analysis, and experimental design to build theoretical frameworks and data-driven models. We seek a multiscale understanding of the brain and ask questions that link cognition and behavior to biological mechanisms. We also seek general principles, which should illuminate the details of specific systems and direct broad thinking about the brain. Our integrative goals lead us to work on a wide variety of neuroscience problems, brain systems, and animal models. These efforts are closely coordinated with experimental work from collaborators around the world.
Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Colin Franz, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/franzlab/
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease, Regenerative Medicine
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Colin Franz, MD/PhD, is a physician and scientist at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as well as an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University. He is the director of the electrodiagnostic (clinical) and regenerative neurorehabilitation (research) laboratories at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab hospital. His research is heavily inspired by the patient populations he cares for. His laboratory team takes a highly technology-oriented approach to precision rehabilitation medicine. Current studies range from transient (resorbable) implanted devices to deliver therapeutics directly to regenerating axons, to making human neurons derived from patient-derived pluripotent stem cells to determine isolate how individual genetic factors effect neurotrauma outcomes. His lab uses forward and reverse translational approaches to address clinical problems in neurorehabilitation, neurotrauma, nerve regeneration and degeneration.
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Marco Gallio
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu/marco-gallio/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Genetics and Epigenetics, Neuronal Cell Biology, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Computation and Modeling, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our long term goal is to understand how sensory stimuli are used to build an internal representation of the physical world, and how this representation is in turn processed into our actions and behaviors. For this, our laboratory studies temperature sensing and preference in the fruit fly Drosophila. How are hot and cold stimuli detected at the periphery? How are they processed in the brain? How are they integrated with additional sensory streams and internal drives to produce behaviors such as attraction and avoidance? Using the fly as a model system is allowing us to study the basic principles of decision making and motivated behavior in an animal with only 100 thousand neurons (rather than our ~100 billion), and taking advantage of a highly sophisticated experimental toolkit.
Professor of Neuroscience, Neurology and Anesthesiology
Jaime García-Añoveros, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://anoverosduggan.northwestern.edu/lab-members.html
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurodevelopment, Genetics and Epigenetics, Neuronal Cell Biology, Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Transcription factors and chromatin modifications in neural development of inner ear and brain. With genetics, epigenomics and transcriptomics combined with neuroanatomy and neurophysiology we are leading in elucidating how the developing cochlea generates its two types of sensory hair cells (inner and outer) and various types of specialized supporting cells. This knowledge will be essential for the induced replacement of outer or inner hair cells in treating hearing loss. We also study how cochlea and brain communicate with each other, how the four types of neurons connecting them assemble during development into an elaborate but stereotyped circuit for the sense of hearing. We are exploring a role of some of these neurons in detecting painfully loud sounds (auditory nociception and pain hyperacusis). We also study the degeneration of cochlear outer hair cells, the leading cause of deafness and most prevalent neurodegenerative condition in humans.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
David Gate, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
My research is focused on the intersection of the immune system and neurodegenerative disease. My laboratory employs multi-omics strategies to interpret immune system changes related to neurodegeneration. We are particularly interested in the interplay between T cells and neurogenerative disease antigens. Our goal is to identify novel biomarkers or immunotherapeutic targets for neurodegeneration.
Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Vladimir Gelfand, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.gelfandlab.org/
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Proteomics
Research Interest Description:
We are interested in mechanisms of neuronal growth and polarity, We are using Drosophila melanogaster neurons in vivo and in culture and work using live-cell imaging, optogenetics, Drosophilas genetics to address these questions
A.N. Richards Professor and Chair of Pharmacology
Al George, MD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neuropharmacology, ion channel biology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
Dr. George is the Magerstadt Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology, and Director of the Center for Pharmacogenomics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He has been a pioneer in elucidating the genetics and pathogenesis of channelopathies with a focus on genetic disorders caused by voltage-gated ion channel mutations associated with disorders of membrane excitability including epilepsy. He directs the NINDS-funded Channelopathy-associated Epilepsy Research Center without Walls.
Research Professor of Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease
Changiz Geula, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neuroimmunology, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our laboratory pursues several overlapping areas of research in the human brain, with additional investigations centered on non-human primate models, rodent models and cell culture systems. The specific areas of research conducted at our laboratory include: -Age-related changes in the human brain -Factors that contribute to exceptionally high cognitive performance in old age (SuperAging) -Pathobiology of neurodegenerative disorders with a focus on dementias -Mechanisms of the spread of pathology in dementias, including potential trans-synaptic spread of pathology -Underlying mechanisms of selective neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative disorders, with an emphasis on the role of intraneuronal calcium dysregulation to this process -Contribution of microglia activation and neuroinflammation to dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration We approach our research using diverse methodologies, including anatomic, pathologic, molecular (transcriptomics, genetic) and neurochemical techniques.
Joshua Glaser, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology (Starting lab September, 2022)
Joshua Glaser, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://glaserlab.github.io/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
My lab develops interpretable machine learning methods to better make sense of large-scale and complex neural activity data, with a focus on analyzing populations of individual neurons. We are excited to develop new computational tools to better understand how different brain areas and cell types interact, how neural activity flexibly drives movement and behavior across a wide range of conditions, and how the dynamics of neural activity differ across behaviors, diseases, and internal states.
Professor of Linguistics
Matt Goldrick, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Language
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
I'm interested in the cognitive neuroscience of language. My research utilizes behavioral experiments, formal models, and data from electrophysiology to build theories of the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying linguistic knowledge and processing in mono- and multi-lingual speakers.
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Keith Gordon, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/agilitylab/
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation
Faculty Technique: 3D Motion Analysis, Biomechanical Assessment
Research Interest Description:
My research focuses on understanding the principles governing neuromechanical control of human locomotion and applying this knowledge to promote walking recovery following neurological injury. I employ an interdisciplinary experimental approach using robotic tools to examine whole-body human movement from a biomechanics and motor control perspective.
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Jordan Grafman, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.nuin.northwestern.edu/members-2/grafman/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory
Faculty Technique: Quantitative Behavior, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
I am interested in the functions and representations of the human prefrontal cortex. I am also interested in reward and motivation mechanisms in the context of social cognition and learning. Finally, I am interested in neuroplasticity, particularly as it applies to recovery of function after brain injury.
Assistant Professor of Psychology (Relocating to Florida State University, August 2022)
Caterina Gratton, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://www.grattonlab.org/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
At every waking moment the human brain absorbs information, selectively filters it, and integrates it into perceptions and memories. When presented with the same world, we can effortlessly engage in many different activities depending on our goals. How does the brain flexibly coordinate these functions? What happens when they break down? Our lab pursues these fundamental questions using a combination of methods including functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and studies of patients with different forms of neurological or psychiatric illness. We combine these methods with a sophisticated computational toolkit, examining the representational, processing, and network characteristics of different brain regions.
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Alicia Guemez-Gamboa, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://sites.northwestern.edu/guemezgamboalab/
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
The main goal of our lab is to understand how neural circuits assemble during development and disease. We are particularly interested on the genetic causes and cellular mechanisms related to circuit defects in autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. Our current research focuses on identifying and investigating novel molecular bases of cellular recognition that orchestrate neural circuit assembly during development, and how when they go awry contribute to brain connectivity defects.
Associate Professor of Human Development and Social Policy and Psychology
Claudia Haase, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Emotion, motivation
Faculty Technique: Quantitative Behavior, Physiology, facial expressions analysis
Research Interest Description:
My research program examines age-related changes, sources, and consequences of individual differences in emotion and motivation across the life span in individuals and dyads. My work uses multiple methods (e.g., behavioral observations, autonomic physiology, genotyping, structural neuroimaging, rating dials), diverse study designs (e.g., experimental, longitudinal), and single-subjects and dyadic approaches. Much of my research has been devoted to understanding how insights from affective, relationship, and motivation science can be used to understand adaptive development across the life span. More recently, I have started to examine psycho- and neuropathology across the life span, including psychopathology in adolescence and young adulthood (i.e., youth at clinical high risk for psychosis) and neurodegenerative disease (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia). My research has been funded by NIA, NIMH, the Retirement Research Foundation, and a NARSAD Young Investigator Award from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Mitra Hartmann, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://sense-lab.github.io/
Research Types: Motor Control, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
We are interested in the neuroscience of active sensing behaviors and particularly the sense of touch. We use the rodent whisker (vibrissal) system as a model to gain insight into closed loop sensorimotor control.
Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Congcong He, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/congconghe/home/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Research in my lab is centered on intracellular quality control mediated by autophagy (“self-eating”), a lysosomal degradation pathway induced by stress conditions such as fasting and exercise. Autophagy allows cells to adapt to changing nutrient and energy demands through protein catabolism. Malfunction of autophagy is implicated in a variety of metabolic and neurological disorders, including neurodegeneration, obesity, and aging; conversely, we have shown that upregulation of autophagy mediates exercise-induced metabolic benefits and protects Alzheimer’s mice from neurodegeneration. Our interests focus on how the autophagy machinery recognizes and degrades various cargos, including aggregate-prone proteins, secretory proteins, and membrane receptors, in different neuronal cell types in the brain, and how such degradation leads to metabolic and behavioral alterations. My lab currently has two major neuroscience-related research directions: 1) autophagy in the regulation of aggregate-prone amyloid degradation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration; 2) autophagy in the regulation of neurotransmission, reward behavior, and drug addiction.
Professor of Neuroscience
CJ Heckman, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=11464
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
Electrophysiology and computational modeling of spinal sensorimotor neurons and circuits.
Professor of Neurosurgery
Amy Heimberger, MD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/heimberger/
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our laboratory studies the unique immunobiology of CNS tumors that informs our development of immuno-oncology therapeutics. The laboratory has been intricately involved in a wide variety of bench-to-bedside immune therapeutics, including those that developed in the laboratory and arising from our own patents. We work collaboratively with industry on their pipeline agents to clarify indications and companion biomarkers. The laboratory carries unique expertise in the investigational new drug process and window-of-opportunity clinical trials. The laboratory conducts extensive immune profiling of patient tumors including ex vivo functional assays. Our studies are directed to how various cells interact within the tumor microenvironment and the functional implications using multiplex imaging, methylation profiling, single cell sequencing and transcriptomic analysis.
Research Assistant Professor of Communication Science and Disorders
Peer Herholz, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://peerherholz.github.io/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurodevelopment, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
I started my research path investigating the neurobiology of auditory processing as a model mechanism of complex biological behavior. Building upon the integration of computational and conceptual models, my research interests moved to generalization in biological and artificial agents and the potentially underlying transformations as a basis for intelligent adaptive behavior. I tackle these questions using MRI, EEG, behavior and artificial neural networks, with a special emphasis on data analysis approaches (e.g., pattern analyses, multimodal data integration, naturalistic paradigms, alignment methods & statistical learning) as open, transparent and reproducible as possible.
Professor of Pathology
Craig Horbinski, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/horbinski/index.html
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, epilepsy, gliomas
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
One of our research focuses is tumor-associated epilepsy. In particular, we seek to understand why gliomas with IDH mutations are more epileptogenic than IDH wild-type gliomas.
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology
Katie Insel, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://nucatslab.com
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurodevelopment
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Katie Insel directs the Child and Adolescent Translational Science lab in the Department of Psychology. Her lab studies child and adolescent brain development to better understand how youth learn, make decisions, and pursue their goals. Her research investigates how kids and teens build cognitive skills to handle the challenges of daily life. She also examines the links between brain development and wellbeing to elucidate why adolescence coincides with a precipitous rise in mental health disorders. Her lab uses multimodal approaches, including novel behavioral tasks, functional neuroimaging (fMRI), and computational modeling. Dr. Insel is committed to translating science to inform policy, and she works with policy-makers, lawyers, educators, and clinicians to help translate basic science to inform real world applications.
Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Arun Jayaraman, PhD, PT
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.sralab.org/researchers/arun-jayaraman-pt-phd
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Arun Jayaraman's work primarily focuses on developing and executing both investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored research in prosthetics, orthotics, rehabilitation robotics, and other assistive and adaptive technologies to treat physical impairments. He conducts all of his outcomes research using advanced wearable patient monitoring wireless sensors and novel machine learning techniques, in addition to the traditional performance-based and patient-reported outcome measures.
Assistant Professor of Medical Social Sciences
Lisa Johnson, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://dynamic-brain.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurodevelopment
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
The Dynamic Brain Laboratory investigates the brain dynamics underlying memory and cognitive control across the human lifespan. Research combines methods from cognitive psychology and human neuroscience, including invasive and noninvasive electrophysiology (iEEG, EEG), electrical stimulation (tES), eyetracking, and structural imaging (MRI, DTI). Outcomes of this research advance basic science and translate to better quality of life.
Professor of Neurology
Robert Kalb, MD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
The environment in which an organism resides is never constant and thus appropriate adaptation to changing conditions is required for survival. Cells in metazoans also experience perturbations in their milieu and proper function requires adaptations. My lab is interested in cellular and organismal responses to stressful conditions. This work is relevant to neurodegenerative diseases but also aging and neuronal development. We use a variety of experimental platforms (including yeast, C.elegans, mammalian neuron tissue culture and mice) and deploy molecular and cell biological tools for our explorations.
Professor of Applied Mathematics
William Kath, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://people.esam.northwestern.edu/~kath/
Research Types: Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling
Research Interest Description:
Quantitative biological modeling, circadian rhythms, growth and development; computational neuroscience, action potential propagation and dendritic integration in neurons.
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Jennifer Kearney, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/kearney/
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Research in my laboratory is focused on identifying genetic factors that contribute to severe childhood epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. To understand how genetic variations contribute to the underlying pathophysiology, we develop and use mouse models for genetic, physiological and pharmacological studies, as well as in vitro and ex vivo systems to understand cellular effects. The overarching goal is to translate this genetic knowledge into better treatments for childhood epilepsy syndromes and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Ann Kennedy, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://kennedylab.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
I am a theoretical neuroscientist studying the structure of animal behavior and the neural mechanisms of flexible and adaptive behavior control, using tools from dynamical systems, statistical modeling, and machine learning. The three core goals of my research are 1) to develop new theories for the distributed control of behavior by multiple recurrently connected neural populations, 2) to understand computation in heterogeneous neural populations with diverse cell types and signaling molecules, by building and training biologically constrained neural population models, and 3) to construct richer descriptions of animal behavior and movement by creating novel pose estimation and supervised/unsupervised machine learning techniques. By collaborating broadly with experimental labs working in diverse model organisms and neural systems, I aim to develop new theories and models to better understand how neural structure governs function and shapes behavior across the animal kingdom.
Davee Professor of Neurology
John Kessler, MD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Neuroimmunology, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurobiology of Disease, Stem Cell Biology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our research has focused extensively on the regulation of gene expression by stem/progenitor cells and their differentiated progeny. We have defined signaling pathways that direct glial and neuronal lineage commitment and characterized patterns of gene expression that coordinate these processes in both the developing and adult nervous system. I also am the Director of the Northwestern University Stem Cell Institute. I established a core pluripotent stem cell facility for Northwestern almost 15 years ago and have facilitated the use by numerous investigators of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells. Although the majority of my research career has focused on studies of basic cellular and molecular neurobiology, the long-term goal has been to translate our findings into clinical applications. Our work has also collaboratively embraced other fields including bionanotechnology and materials science to help develop tools for accomplishing this long-term goal.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Eyal Kimchi, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://kimchilab.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
I am a systems neuroscientist and clinically active neurologist. I lead translational research on the brain networks and dynamic rhythms that support clear thinking, with a commitment to understanding and improving the care of patients with acute neuropsychiatric disorders of cognition and awareness, such as delirium. My translational approach is rooted in systems neuroscience. At the bench, our research examines the real-time influences of systemic inflammation and neuromodulators on network interactions in the context of motivated, perceptual behavior. We use a simultaneous combination of head fixed or freely moving behavior, fluorescent imaging techniques such as widefield imaging and photometry, high density electrophysiology, and optogenetic manipulations. We extend this work to patients' bedsides through clinical research to develop novel biomarkers of acute and dynamic brain states, including wearable devices and big data analysis.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Evangelos Kiskinis, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://evangeloskiskinislab.org
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurodegenerative Disease
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics, IPSC-based models
Research Interest Description:
My laboratory harnesses the power of human pluripotent stem cells to study neuronal development as well as to understand how neuronal function is impaired as a result of injury or disease. We utilize patient-specific iPSCs and direct reprogramming methods to generate different cell types of the CNS, such as motor neurons, cortical excitatory and inhibitory neurons. We phenotype patient cells by a combination of molecular, biochemical and electrophysiological assays. We are focused on 3 broad topics: a) deciphering the degenerative mechanisms that give rise to distinct genetic and sporadic ALS subtypes (Ortega et al., Neuron); b) developing models of developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) (Simkin et al., eLife); and c) improving iPSC-based technologies (Ziller et al., Cell Stem Cell). The overarching goal of our research is to provide novel insights into neuronal development and identify points of targeted and effective therapeutic intervention for epilepsy and ALS/FTD.
Professor of Neurobiology
William Klein, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://kleinlab.org
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Proteomics, Quantitative Behavior, Nanotechnology
Research Interest Description:
Our team pioneers new approaches to neurodegeneration and neurodevelopment. We are known for our theory that neuron damage leading to Alzheimer’s is caused by soluble oligomers of the amyloid β peptide (AβOs), a new type of neurotoxin discovered by our team. Soluble oligomers, not amyloid plaques, are now widely regarded as the disease-relevant proteoform of Aβ. The Director of Neuroscience at NIA has written “Progressive accumulation of amyloid beta oligomers has been identified as one of the central toxic events in AD...” Our biotech’s antibody targeting AβOs has entered a clinical trial, and we are further pursuing novel therapeutics and diagnostic brain imaging. We are investigating the molecular structure that makes AβOs toxic, the pathways by which AβOs trigger neuron damage, the loss of homeostatic control that causes AβO buildup, and our recent discovery that AβOs briefly appear in CNS development and act physiologically as negative growth factors.
Associate Professor of Neurology
Kristen Knutson, PhD, MPH
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circadian Rhythms and Sleep
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Knutson’s research involves clinical or epidemiological studies that focus on the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on health, broadly speaking. In addition, her research examines whether sleep and circadian rhythms partially mediate socioeconomic and/or racial/ethnic disparities in chronic diseases. Her current on-going research studies include collecting EEG/PSG and cardiometabolic biomarkers in a family-based study in Brazil as well as a longitudinal, observational study of racial/ethnic disparities in sleep and cognitive function. A third project underway is examining the impact of a dietary intervention on sleep, circadian and cardio-metabolic measures.
Research Professor of Neurology
Jhumku Kohtz, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurodevelopment
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics, Chromosome/RNA biology
Research Interest Description:
We are funded by the NIMH to study how long noncoding RNAs regulate enhancer-chromosomal interactions across megabase distances. We are addressing the biological significance of these RNA-mediated chromosomal interactions during interneuron development and neurodevelopmental disorders through characterization of the Evf2-enhancer long noncoding ribonucleoprotein complex (Evf2-RNP).
Future work will define the role of Evf2-RNP and novel long non-coding RNA-RNP interactions in interneuron gene progenitors during normal and disease states.
Archibald Church Professor of Neurology and Chief, Division of Neuro-Infectious Diseases and Global Neurology
Igor Koralnik, MD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology, Neurovirology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics, Cellular Immunology
Research Interest Description:
The laboratory of Igor Koralnik, MD, in the Department of Neurology studies how viruses affect the nervous system. These include SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19, HIV in patients with substance use, as well as the entire Virome in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we are involved in Global Neurology research with our international partners.
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://www.kozorovitskiy.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuroendocrinology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Proteomics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
The Kozorovitskiy lab focuses on two broad, inter-related themes: decoding neuromodulation and neural circuit design principles. We seek to address the following questions: What activity-dependent rules govern the design of neural circuits and synapses in early life? How are these rules updated by experience and broken in disease? What is the function of neuromodulation during development and in behavior? How do multiplexed neuromodulatory systems operate? We investigate these questions primarily, but not exclusively, in the basal ganglia, a phylogenetically ancient region of the brain essential for complex, goal directed motor actions and reward-based behavior. One of our primary current interests is the influence of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, GABA and dopamine, on synaptic development and neural circuit integration. To address these questions, we rely on 2-photon imaging and 2-photon neurotransmitter photorelease, whole-cell electrophysiology, opto- and pharmacogenetics, neuroanatomy, computational and behavioral analyses.
Professor and Chair of Neurology
Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
The overarching goal of my laboratory has been to define key molecular pathways in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. We have focused on pathogenic mechanisms that commonly occur in neurodegenerative disorders such as accumulation and deficient degradation of aggregation-prone proteins and mitochondrial dysfunction. As a general strategy, we are studying rare genetic diseases, in particular those with mutations in genes that play a role in these common pathogenic pathways (e.g. PINK1, Parkin, ATP13A2, Gaucher) with a goal of identifying specific targets for therapeutic development in neurodegeneration. To validate and study these mechanisms in patient-specific human neurons, we are developing new tools to generate purified population of specific neuronal subtypes from reprogrammed patient fibroblasts (iPS).
Hugh Knowles Professor of Communication Sciences
Nina Kraus, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://www.brainvolts.northwestern.edu
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Sensory Systems, Neurophysiology, Auditory processing
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
In her deep examination of sound and the brain, Nina Kraus makes the case for the far-reaching impact of sound, showing how hearing engages how we think, feel, move, and combine our senses. She aims to further our understanding of the biological mechanisms of sound perception, its plasticity, and disruption. She investigates the neurobiology of auditory processing in typical listeners throughout the lifespan, clinical populations, auditory experts, and an animal model. The cornerstone of her research is to improve social communication. Her ability to make connections between seemingly disparate fields as evidenced by her partnerships with education, industry, the arts, philosophy, medicine, athletics, under-represented communities, and the general public. Kraus’ thoughts and experiences on all these matters can be found in her book, Of Sound Mind - How Our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World, MIT Press, 2021. https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/sound-mind, written for the curious reader of all backgrounds.
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McCormick School of Engineering and Surgery
Todd Kuiken, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation
Research Interest Description:
The Neural Engineering Center for Artificial Limbs (NECAL) is a research program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) based on over 20 years of research. The goal of NECAL is to improve function and quality of life for people who have suffered limb loss. Currently, individuals who have undergone amputation are only able to operate one motion at a time with myoelectric prostheses. The NECAL laboratory is currently experimenting with the use of "targeted reinnervation", a new neural-machine interface, to improve myoelectric prosthesis function. With this technique, amputated nerves are transferred to spare muscle and skin in an amputee's residual limb. The nerves grow into the muscle to provide additional control signals for the operation of a prosthesis. This allows patients to control multiple functions in their prosthesis at the same time in an easier, more natural manner.
Professor of Molecular Biosciences
Carole LaBonne, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Neurodevelopment
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
We study the development and evolution of the vertebrate neural crest which gives rise of most of th peripheral nervous system.
Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Mitra Lavasani, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://www.sralab.org/researchers/mitra-lavasani-phd
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
My research focuses on identifying effective therapeutic interventions for muscle, vasculature, peripheral nerve, and the brain, using adult stem cells and/or their secreted stimulator and protective factors to prevent, ameliorate, or reverse neurodegeneration associated with human disease, injury, and aging. Our experimental approaches include in vitro manipulation of adult stem cells and their therapeutic transplantation into clinically relevant animal models, immunohistochemistry labeling of cells and tissues to better understand mechanisms of functional improvement, and novel methods of the whole animal in vivo imaging to track transplanted cell migration and engraftment. Our long-term goal is to translate the knowledge from our findings to better assist patients with neuromuscular diseases, injuries, and aging-related pathologies.
Research Associate Professor of Radiology
Amber Leaver, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/inmri/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease, Brain stimulation (neuromodulation)
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
Amber Leaver is a neuroscientist using MRI to understand and improve noninvasive brain stimulation technologies. Her research program examines the acute and long-term effects of techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on brain-network function. Her work also uses machine learning to predict clinical and neuroplastic outcomes of these therapies, using pre-treatment multimodal MRI and computer-simulated electric field (E field) models of current flow. Dr. Leaver’s research uses methods like image and signal analysis, computer coding, and patient-oriented data collection.
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Hojoon Lee, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://www.hojoonlee.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurodevelopment, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
The taste system evaluates the nutritional value (sweet, umami, salty) and safety (bitter, sour) of food. Since this assessment is critical for the survival of the animal, taste cues immediately cause stereotypical behaviors (attraction vs aversion) and evoke innate affect (pleasure vs disgust). Taste information is detected by taste receptor cells (TRCs) on the tongue, each one dedicated to a single taste quality, and relayed through neuronal projections that originate from geniculate/petrosal ganglia en route to the brain. Our research focuses on three fundamental questions: – How are new taste receptor cells made? – How is the peripheral taste system wired? – How do tastes evoke hardwired behaviors?
Associate Professor of Medicine (Rheumatology)
Yvonne Lee, MD, MMSc
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology, Chronic Pain, Sleep
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Sensory Testing
Research Interest Description:
Our interdisciplinary research program focuses on understanding pain pathways and the pain experience in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. We are the only group in the U.S. with a multi-site infrastructure for multi-modal phenotyping of pain (patient-reported outcomes, quantitative sensory testing, neuroimaging) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Our research program also includes studies involving the relationship between sleep disturbances and pain and translational studies examining serum biomarkers of pain. Our research program is funded by NIH R01, R21, and K24 grants, as well as the Rheumatology Research Foundation.
Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry & Behavioral Science
Talia Lerner, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://lernerlab.org/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Motor Control
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
The Lerner Lab studies the neural circuit basis of motivation, reward learning, and habit formation. We are particularly interested in how individual variations in dopamine circuit function relate to differences in behavior and neuropsychiatric disease risk.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Hao Li, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.haolilab.org/https://
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
My lab utilizes cutting-edge circuit and systems approaches to study how neuropeptidergic circuits mediate valence processing and regulate motivated behaviors. Specifically, my lab is interested in 1) understanding how neuropeptides exert long-lasting neuromodulatory effects on circuits to regulate emotional states, 2) identifying risk factors of addiction vulnerability and resilience, 3) investigating neural mechanisms underlying observational social aggression, and 4) exploring how the brain-body connection can contribute to anxiety and depression. Ultimately, we aim to understand the neural underpins of motivation and emotion and advance the quest for better treatments for mental health disorders.
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Yaping Liu, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://epifluidlab.github.io
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuroimmunology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Transcriptomics, Liquid biopsy and single-cell multi-omics
Research Interest Description:
The research focus of my lab is on developing and applying computational and high-throughput experimental methods in epigenomics to understand the gene regulation of non-coding genetic variants in different pathological conditions, including brain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we focused on the method development for cell-free DNA and single-cell multi-omics for the early diagnosis and prognosis of complex diseases.
Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Molly Losh, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://ndl.northwestern.edu
Research Types: Autism, Fragile X syndrome
Faculty Technique: Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
My research focuses on autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions, with a specific focus on language, communication, and associated abilities, and how such features may span diagnostic boundaries. Work from my lab has helped to identify key cognitive mechanisms that may underlie the social-communicative impairments in autism, in order to bridge gaps between observable clinical behaviors and underlying neurobiology and genetics, necessary for understanding the causes of autism and related conditions.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology
Yongchao Ma, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://sites.northwestern.edu/malab
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Genetics and Epigenetics, Neuroimmunology, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Motor Control, Neuropharmacology, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Genetic, neurometabolic and mitochondrial regulation of neural development and degeneration RNA methylation on N6-adenosine is emerging as a critical regulator of RNA functions and metabolism. We recently identified novel m6A RNA readers that interpret RNA methylation to regulate different aspects of RNA biology, including RNA localization, degradation and translation. We are exploring how RNA methylation regulates fundamental aspects of neurodevelopment such as neural stem cell differentiation, axonal morphogenesis, and inflammasome-induced cell death. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease are characterized by the selective degeneration of motor neurons. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused by midbrain dopaminergic neuron loss. To study neurodegeneration in SMA, ALS and PD, we use genetically modified mice, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and zebrafish as model systems. We focus on mitochondria metabolites as novel genetic and epigenetic modifiers of neurodegeneration in SMA, ALS, and PD.
Professor of Neuroscience
Gianmaria Maccaferri, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurodevelopment, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
My interest is focused on the hippocampus, which is an area of the brain involved in higher cognitive functions, and is often the target of neurological illnesses like epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, we study the synaptic properties of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons, which are a very heterogeneous cellular population, with wide anatomical and functional diversity. Additionally, we are trying to unravel the network functions of Cajal-Retzius cells, which are neurons involved in guiding cortical development, but whose computations remain poorly understood. Methodologically, we use state-of-the-art electrophysiological techniques in vitro such as paired recordings from anatomically identified connected neurons, optogenetic control of specific cellular populations and behavioral analysis of transgenic mice. We hope that relating different neuronal types to specific network roles and behaviors in vivo will generate important insights into the organizing principles of cortical networks in the normal brain and during disease, potentially suggesting novel therapeutic strategies.
Professor of Neuroscience
Marco Martina, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of pain
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
The lab has three main interests: currently, the main interest of the lab is the identification of the cortical cellular mechanisms (and potential drug targets) that drive the transition from acute to chronic pain. In particular, we are interested in the cellular mechanisms that mediate cognitive impairment in chronic pain (and in other diseases). Another main focus of our research is the study of the ion channels expressed in dendrites of cells of the central nervous system and how they influence the physiological properties (pace-making, synaptic integration and plasticity, network properties) of neurons. The third major interest major interest of the lab is the study of the microcircuit of the cerebellar cortex, with particular emphasis on the role of unipolar brush cells in physiology and in disease.
Associate Professor of Neurology (Movement Disorders)
Joe Mazzulli, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Biochemistry
Research Interest Description:
The Mazzulli Lab is interested in determining how protein misfolding and amyloid formation results in cell death. Many chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins within the nervous system. We use patient neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) coupled with analytic biochemical techniques to study protein accumulation and lysosomal clearance mechanisms.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Christopher McGraw, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Our mission is to understand the molecular mechanisms of refractory seizure disorders and to identify novel therapies using cross-species approaches including human genetics and animal models (zebrafish, mouse). We are particularly interested in the intersection between genetics and pharmacology -- understanding how genetic variants influence seizures and treatment response, and using genetics to identify new targets for anti-seizure drug development.
Our main areas of research are:
1) Animal models of refractory seizure disorders.
2) Functional assays for understanding human variants.
3) Genetic determinants of epilepsy severity.
4) Chemical and genetic screening. Using zebrafish models enables rapid phenotypic screening of compound libraries to identify hits or reverse genetic manipulations to identify modifiers, which we validate in mouse.
5) Neurotherapeutic development. Applying our findings to develop actionable therapies for treating human seizure disorders.
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Malcolm McIver, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Motor Control
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
Professor MacIver believes that the body’s mechanical intelligence can be just as important, if not more important, than what’s going on in your head. His primary scientific efforts are in understanding how animal mechanics and sensory abilities fit together, and he pursues that problem using approaches from neuroscience, animal behavior studies, robotics, mathematical modeling, and computer simulations. In engineering, he has pioneered the development of a new sensor inspired by the ability of certain fish to sense using a self-generated electric field, and highly maneuverable propulsion systems based on fish locomotion. In 2009 he received the Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering from President Obama at the White House, the highest award given to emerging scientists by the government.
Director, Center for Genetic Medicine
Elizabeth McNally, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/mcnally/
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics, genomic variation
Research Interest Description:
We study neuromuscular disorders including those that primarily affect skeletal muscle like the muscular dystrophies. Our work has uncovered primary mutations that lead to neuromuscular disease and created models to help define the mechanism of action of these mutations. We have also used quantitative trait locus mapping to discover new genetic modifiers for these disorders. There has been substantial progress in advancing genetic correction strategies in human patients with neuromuscular disorders. We utilize human genomic variation, human induced pluripotent stem cells, engineered tissues and other approaches to develop and test novel genetic correction strategies.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Niccolo Mencacci, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuronal Cell Biology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
My lab employs state-of-the-art genetic approaches to investigate families with unresolved genetic etiologies, with the goal of identifying novel causes of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dystonia. Building on these discoveries, we aim to elucidate the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dystonia and related hyperkinetic movement disorders. Our research utilizes both in vitro and in vivo models, including iPSC-derived neurons and mouse models.
In particular, given the increasing recognition of lysosomal dysfunction in dystonia—highlighted by genes such as BORCS5 and VPS16—we have developed a research program to investigate the role of lysosomal function and organelle dynamics in dystonia pathogenesis. Additionally, to study the molecular mechanisms underlying another movement disorder caused by PDE10A mutations and characterized by striatal degeneration, we have generated a knock-in mouse model. which displays profound striatal degeneration and severe motor abnormalities, and serves as a platform for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Daniela Maria Menichella, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Daniela Maria Menichella, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuropathic Pain
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
My laboratory investigates the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in hereditary and acquired peripheral neuropathies with a particular focus on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy is currently one of the most common and intractable symptoms of diabetes. My long-term goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy in order to provide novel targets for the development of effective treatments for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. My laboratory is actively investigating the role of the excitability of the neurons carrying pain, nociceptors, in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and small-fiber axonal degeneration in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. Towards designing more effective therapeutics, my laboratory takes advantage of an integrated approach combining pain behavioral tests, electrophysiology studies including current-clamp recordings, in vitro and in vivo calcium imaging studies, confocal studies, chemogenetics and single-cell RNA sequencing with conditional and transgenic mouse models.
Director, Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease - Department of Neurology
Marsel Mesulam, MD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://northwestern.brain.edu
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
https://sites.northwestern.edu/mesulam/
Professor of Neuroscience
Lee Miller, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://miller-limblab.squarespace.com/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
The primary goal of the research we do in this lab is to understand the nature of the somatosensory and motor signals within the brain that control our movements. We study the "language" of these control signals and the networks of neurons that produce them. Along with this basic research, we are working to develop neural interfaces that directly connect the brain of a spinal cord injured patient with the outside world. These interfaces will ultimately allow patients to operate a computer or a prosthetic device. They may also bypass the injured spinal cord in order to reactivate paralyzed muscles and to restore the sense of touch and limb movement.
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Andrew Miri, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://www.mirilab.org/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
The patterns of muscle activation that drive movement reflect an interplay between neuronal circuits in the spinal cord and an array of motor system regions. Yet how this interplay gives rise to the remarkable complexity and agility of mammalian movement is poorly understood. This ambiguity stems from the historical challenge of characterizing interactions between neuronal populations over the short timescale (milliseconds) on which the activity of muscles must be coordinated during movement. Fortunately, a wealth of recent technical advances newly enable such characterization. Thanks to emerging physiological methods, we can now assess activity across multiple motor system populations as they interact. With new genetic tools, neural activity measurement and perturbation can be targeted to distinct subpopulations of neurons, which may represent the elemental units of motor system operation. And new computational techniques can identify prominent patterns and salient effects in the activities of populations of neurons and muscles.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Vijay Mittal, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Website: http://www.adaptprogram.com/research-priorities-1
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurodevelopment, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroendocrinology, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
I work to examine the intersection between adolescent development and emerging mental illness. The lab examines developmental trajectories, in an effort to understand pathogenesis, develop early identification markers, and build novel treatments. My team utilizes a range of methodologies ranging from instrumental motor assessments, to machine learning, electrophysiology, actigraphy and multimodal imaging.
Bill and Gayle Cook Professor of Biology
Richard Morimoto, PhD, MPH
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://molbiosci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/richard-morimoto.html
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuronal Cell Biology, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Human lifespan has increased dramatically, and with this is the increased risk for dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. Aging and degenerative diseases are closely linked with a poor response to cell stress and increased molecular and cellular damage caused by toxic misfolded, aggregated and amyloid proteins. Our research on protein quality control mechanisms regulated by the proteostasis network, the heat shock response and the unfolded protein responses of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria employs C. elegans, patient-derived direct differentiated cortical and striatal neurons, and uses genetic, molecular, cellular, biochemical, omic and computational approaches. Proteostasis collapse in aging is genetically programmed and results in age-dependent acceleration of protein damage and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and Huntington’s disease. Our current efforts are to identify the earliest events that predict proteostasis failure in neurons and to develop genetic and therapeutic strategies to slow or reverse this decline.
Theresa Sukal Moulton, PhD, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Theresa Sukal Moulton, PhD, PT, DPT
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurodevelopment
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
The work that I do and collaborate on involves the development of selective motor control over the lifespan for people with spastic cerebral palsy. We study the relationship between early brain injury and adversity with ability to independently isolate joint movements in infancy, quantify movement efforts and patterns in older children and to provide movement opportunities for fitness that support different skills in selective control. We use a combination of clinical and engineering techniques to accomplish these research goals.
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Todd Murphey, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://murpheylab.github.io/
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling
Research Interest Description:
Todd Murphey’s current research focuses on computational methods in dynamics and control and using those methods to investigate biological locomotion and tactile exploration. His work includes developing biomechanical models of the human hand, modeling tactile exploratory motions using ergodic trajectories, and understanding the role that impact mechanics play in locomotion.
Associate Professor and Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Elizabeth Norton, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Website: https://learnlab.northwestern.edu
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
My research focuses on understanding typical reading and language development as well as developmental and learning disabilities, including dyslexia, developmental language disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. My lab uses brain imaging, including MRI and EEG/ERP, in combination with behavioral measures to address these questions. I am particularly interested in how combining behavior with brain imaging might help us to identify children who are at risk for these disorders earlier than traditional behavioral methods would allow, so that earlier intervention can be provided. I am also working to bring our neuroscience tools to more “real world” contexts, such as the NICU for preterm infants or to assess parents' and toddlers' brains as they play together. As a member of Northwestern's Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) and director of its Neurodevelopmental Core, I support various projects related to child development and health.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Robin Nusslock, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology, Emotion, motivation, psychiatric disorders
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
My research program uses neuroscientific methods to examine order and disorder in the emotional brain. Specifically, we use neurophysiology (electroencephalography, event-related potentials) and both structural and functional neuroimaging to study the neural mechanisms involved in approach (e.g., reward) and avoidance (e.g., threat, fear) emotional states, as well as the regulation of these emotions by the prefrontal cortex. We then aim to translate our research on the emotional brain to the investigation of neural mechanisms underlying emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety, and mania. Finally, I recently expanded my research program to examine bidirectional signaling between the brain and the immune system in generating risk for both mental and physical health problems.
Professor of Neurology
Puneet Opal, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/opal/index.html
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Genetics and Epigenetics, Neuronal Cell Biology, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
The long-term goal of my laboratory is to understand the cellular basis of neurodegeneration. We are testing the idea that neurodegeneration results from derangements in relatively few but strategic sub-cellular pathways. By identifying critical components of these pathways one could begin to not only understand the biology of neurodegeneration, but also embark on the design of novel therapeutic agents. We are currently studying the autosomal dominant disorder Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a relentless disease that affects cerebellar Purkinje cells and brainstem neurons. This disorder is caused by polyglutamine expansion in the involved disease protein and is thus similar to a growing number of disorders, including Huntington disease, that share this mutational mechanism. Patients with SCA1 begin to display cerebellar signs characterized by motor incoordination or ataxia in early to mid adulthood. Unfortunately there is no treatment for this disease, patients eventually succumb from the complications of brainstem dysfunction.
Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Martin Oudega, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease, Spinal Cord Injury
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, spinal cord surgery
Research Interest Description:
The lab is interested in understanding and developing treatments for the anatomical and functional consequences of spinal cord injury. We have a special interest in the immune response and vascularization after injury and as a therapeutic target. We use mostly rodent models of spinal cord injury in our studies and a variety of techniques/materials, including in vitro cell culture, cell transplantation, gene therapy, biomaterials, electrophysiology, motor training.
Associate Professor of Neurology
Hande Ozdinler, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/ozdinler/index.html
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our lab is interested in the biology and pathology of upper motor neurons, the neuron population that displays progressive degeneration in ALS, HSP and PLS patients. We reveal the underlying causes of their degeneration and develop effective treatment strategies to improve their stability and health
Professor of Psychology and James Padilla Chair in Arts & Sciences
Ken Paller, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://kenpaller.com/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory
Research Interest Description:
Human Memory, Perception, and Consciousness; Biological Bases of Mental Phenomena; Sleep and Dreaming; Cognitive Neuroscience
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Loukia Parisiadou, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://parisiadoulab.com/
Research Types: Motor Control, Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
Our laboratory studies the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease (PD) with a focus on the cellular and molecular pathways dysregulated by PD-linked genes such as α-synuclein and LRRK2. Our long-term research goal by interrogating α-synuclein and mainly LRRK2-dependent alterations at the cellular, network, and behavioral levels is to understand the pathophysiology of PD. The gained knowledge will provide useful insights towards the development of mechanism-based therapeutic opportunities for a disease that is currently addressed symptomatically.
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology
Jones Parker, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.parker-laboratory.com/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
Our lab uses state-of-the art tools to image and manipulate circuits related to the dopamine system. We are principally interested in dopamine influences neural coding of spontaneous and motivated behavior, how this process may go awry in neurological and psychiatric diseases, and how therapeutic interventions normalize these processes.
Professor of Radiology
Todd Parrish, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.neuroimaging.northwestern.edu/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
The primary focus of the Parrish laboratory is the development and application of neuroimaging methods to better understand human development and physiology. Work in the lab draws from many disciplines such as biomedical engineering, biophysics, statistics, neuroscience, and physiology. While typical development occurs in normal healthy volunteers, a major effort is made to investigate the underlying physiology and function in a variety of disease conditions with an application towards clinical assessment or pre-surgical planning. Our current research draws upon many different types of Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods including structural imaging, diffusion and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), perfusion imaging, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)to investigate changes in the brain due to activation, chemical interventions, or disease. A primary focus of the group is to investigate the physiologic changes related to brain activation and how to optimize its detection.
Professor of Psychiatry
Sachin Patel, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.patellabnorthwestern.com
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics
Research Interest Description:
The Patel Lab’s research program focuses on the role of endocannabinoids in stress-induced neuroadaptation. Psychosocial stress is a key trigger for the development and exacerbation of a variety of psychiatric disorders including depression, addiction, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. By understanding the molecular, structural, and physiological adaptations in endocannabinoid signaling that occur in response to stress, we hope to uncover novel targets for drug development. In addition, we hope these investigations will provide insight into the pathophysiology of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. We use a variety of techniques including electrophysiology, mass spectrometry, in vivo calcium imaging, protein biochemistry, genetic models, behavioral analysis and functional anatomical studies to understand the role of endocannabinoids in the brain's response to stress.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Reesha Patel, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://reeshapatellab.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroimmunology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our goal is to understand how neuroimmune signaling and social factors impact neural circuits and behavior, and if we can harness immune mechanisms to reprogram circuits to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. To gain deep mechanistic insight, we use a multidisciplinary approach including molecular biology, cell-type specific transcriptomics, patch electrophysiology, optogenetics, and cellular resolution calcium imaging in freely behaving mice. Current research aims include: 1) determining the causal role of social stress (i.e. social isolation and social subordination) induced immune signaling in escalated alcohol consumption, 2) examine immune interactions with a subpopulation of cortical neurons expressing the receptor for corticotropin-releasing hormone in social isolation-induced aberrant behavior, and 3) identify predictive neuroimmune signatures and mechanisms contributing to social status (i.e. social rank) related susceptibility to behavioral phenotypes of psychiatric disorders. Ultimately, we aim to identify novel immune mechanisms for more efficacious therapeutics for mental health disorders.
Professor of Neuroscience
Peter Penzes, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/penzeslab/
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Neuroimmunology, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
Our mission is to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms whereby neurons communicate with each other within brain circuits, how they malfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders, and to use this knowledge to develop new therapies for such disorders. Diseases of interest to our lab are autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar disease, rare and orphan disorders, Alzheimer's disease. Topics of interest are: the synaptic substrates of neuropsychiatric disorders, the mechanisms of excitatory/inhibitory integration in the brain, comorbidity of neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy, the synaptic sheddome, the cellular structural plasticity in the brain: dendrites, spines, spinules, tunneling nanotubes, and drug development to target synaptic small GTPase pathways. We employ a multi-disciplinary and multi-level combination of methodologies including super-resolution-, multi-photon-, calcium-, and time-lapse imaging, mouse genetics and behavioral analysis, human iPSC-derived neurons, bioinformatics, neuroproteomics, high-throughput and high content screens.
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Monica Perez, PhD, PT
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.sralab.org/research/labs/neuromodulation
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurophysiology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Perez is the Scientific Chair of the Arms + Hands Lab at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University, and a Research Scientist at the Edward Jr. Hines VA Hospital. She has studied neural mechanisms contributing to the control of voluntary movement in healthy humans and in people with spinal cord injury for over 15 years. Her research aims to understand how the brain and spinal cord contribute to the control of movement with the ultimate goal of using this mechanistic information to develop more effective rehabilitation therapies for people with spinal cord injury. This theme is mainly investigated from a neurophysiological point of view, using a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic resonance imaging, electrical stimulation, and behavioral techniques.
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Eric Perreault, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
Research in our group focuses on understanding the neural and biomechanical factors involved in the normal control of multi-joint movement and posture and how these factors are modified following neuromotor pathologies such as stroke and spinal cord injury. The goal of this research is to provide a scientific basis for understanding normal and pathological motor control that can be used to guide rehabilitative strategies and user interface development for restoring function to individuals with motor deficits. A combination of experimentation, system identification and computer simulations is being used to achieve this goal.
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Lucas Pinto, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.pintolab.org
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
We are interested in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognition, both at the local circuit level and in terms of large-scale interactions between different brain areas. In particular, the lab seeks to understand how different areas of the brain interact flexibly to support the many different computations that underlie different types of decision making. Two specific lines of inquiry are on how neuromodulators help coordinate the activity of different cortical areas with changing computational demands, and on identifying the behavioral features that explain why brain activity looks the way it does during different tasks. To do so, the lab uses a combination of high-throughput virtual-reality behavior in mice, large-scale optical recording and perturbation techniques, genetic tools for circuit mapping, and computational modeling.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Gabriela Caraveo Piso, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://caraveopisolab.squarespace.com/
Research Types: Neuroimmunology, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
Our laboratory is interested in understanding the cellular mechanisms that govern memory formation through the lenses of calcineurin, the only Ca2+ and calmodulin phosphatase highly conserved from yeast to humans. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how calcineurin affects the biological activity of critical substrates at presynaptic terminals to drive changes in vesicle recycling and cytoskeleton; and how these local changes affect receptor trafficking, synapse formation, neuronal arborization to electrophysiological responses. To do so we use a variety of approaches including genetic, biochemical and cell biological techniques across several model systems that span from the baker’s yeast, rodent primary neurons to full animal models of two prominent synucleionopathies associated with dementia and cognition: Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson Disease Dementia.
Professor of Neurology
Brian Popko, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/popkolab/
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Genetics and Epigenetics, Neuroimmunology, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our research interests include studies designed to uncover fundamental aspects of myelinating glial cell development, the myelination process, as well as the detailed function of the myelin sheath. We also devote considerable effort to gaining a better understanding of the neurological disorders that disrupt the myelination process during development and the maintenance of the myelin sheath in adults. In addition, we are particularly interested in developing therapeutic approaches to protect the myelinating cells from cytotoxic insult and to enhance the remyelination of demyelinated axons. Our research efforts focus largely on mouse models, as well as on purified primary Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes in tissue culture.
Professor of Pharmacology
Murali Prakriya, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/prakriya/Home.html
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neuroimmunology, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology, Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Computation and Modeling, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Ca2+ is a ubiquitous intracellular signaling messenger regulating a wide range of functions including enzyme activation, gene expression, and neurotransmitter release. Cellular Ca2+ signals arise from the opening of Ca2+ permeable ion channels, a diverse family of membrane proteins. We study Ca2+ signals arising from store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCs), a family of plasma membrane ion channels that are activated by a decrease in the calcium content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an intracellular organelle that serves as a reservoir for storing calcium. Human patients with mutations in SOCs suffer from a devastating immunodeficiency, muscle weakness, and other abnormalities underscoring the vital importance of SOCs for human health. We study the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which SOCs are activated and the mechanisms by which they regulate gene expression, immune cell function, and neuronal and astrocyte functions including synaptic plasticity, astrocyte gliotransmitter release, and cytokine production.
Research Professor of Radiology
Ann Ragin, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology, Quantitative Brain Imaging, Neurovascular
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Proteomics, Quantitative Behavior, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
My primary interests concern quantitative neuroimaging technologies, including neurovascular 4D flow MRI and brain network analysis to investigate the impact of viruses (e.g. HIV, Covid) and brain aging.
Professor of Neurobiology
Indira Raman, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control, Ion Channels and Cellular Electrophysiology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics
Research Interest Description:
In the Raman lab, we study specializations of ion channels and synaptic physiology that permit cerebellar neurons—Purkinje neurons, granule cells, inhibitory interneurons, and output neurons of the cerebellar nuclei—to facilitate coordinated movements and correct errors in mice. Our in vitro experiments focus on properties of ionic currents, synaptic plasticity and modulation, and action potential generation. Our in vivo experiments focus on analyzing and manipulating neuronal firing patterns evoked by sensory input and motor commands during movements associated with tasks requiring the cerebellum. The two levels of analysis inform one another to gain an understanding of how biophysical properties constrain and generate specific cerebellar outputs that produce and modulate motor behavior.
Professor of Psychology
Paul Reber, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://www.reberlab.psych.northwestern.edu/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
We study the cognitive neuroscience of learning in memory with complex cognitive tasks. Our approach is grounded in memory systems theory that reflects the operations of different mechanisms of memory within and independent of the medial temporal lobe (hippocampal) memory system. Different memory mechanisms reflect different neurobiological mechanisms in differing systems that influence the experience of memory, for example making some forms of memory available to conscious retrieval and others influence behavior without awareness of prior experience. This memory framework emerges from research on memory using both functional neuroimaging and neuropsychological methods. Our externally funded research is currently focused on applications of this multi-system model of learning and memory to attempts to accelerate training and education.
Adrian Rodriguez-Contreras, PhD
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Adrian Rodriguez-Contreras, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=i68Aq3wAAAAJ&hl=en
Research Types: Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurodevelopment, Sensory Systems, Neurovascular physiology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
A main focus of the lab is in elucidating mechanisms of physiological and pathological responses to oxygen shortage in the newborn brain. Decades of studies in laboratory rodents show that neuronal activity impacts sensory maturation during two periods of postnatal development distinguished by the maturation of accessory structures at the sensory periphery. During the first developmental period, angiogenesis is modulated by neuronal activity, and physiological levels of neuronal activity cause local tissue hypoxic events. This correlation suggests that neuronal activity is upstream of the production of angiogenic factors, a process that is mediated by intermittent hypoxia caused by neuronal oxygen consumption. We are interested to test this idea in the context of neural circuits involved in hearing and voice production in neonate rodents. We use optical and electrophysiological recordings to monitor cellular activity, optical volumetric imaging to track changes in vascular development, and ultrasonic recordings to track vocal development.
Simpson/Querrey Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
John Rogers, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Website: https://bioelectronics.northwestern.edu/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Movement & Rehabilitation
Faculty Technique: Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
neurotechnology and neuroengineering
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Luis Rosas-Vidal, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
We study the neural dynamics of stress and aversive learning, how these processes are modulated by the opioid system, and how they interact with the pursuit of rewards. More specifically, we use a myriad of techniques which include optogenetics, in vivo single cell calcium imaging, and pharmacological and genetic techniques in combination with multiple behavioral assays to explore the circuits involved in mediating stress and aversion, how these experiences are encoded at the neuronal level, how aversion is balanced with the pursuit of rewards, and how these processes are modulated by the opioid system.
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Jason Sanchez, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://caplab.northwestern.edu/
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Sanchez’s laboratory investigates the development of time-coding mechanisms in the auditory brainstem using electrophysiological and anatomical approaches. His primary interests are in synaptic transmission and ion channel function.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Jeffrey Savas, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.savaslab.com/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurodevelopment, Learning & Memory, Neuronal Cell Biology, Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
The overarching goal of our research group is to determine how protein mishandling contributes to synaptic dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and aging. As a starting point we use biochemistry with mass spectrometry-based proteomics. 1. Investigating hampered protein homeostasis in Alzheimer’s disease. We recently found that proteostasis in presynaptic terminals is selectively altered. Synaptic vesicle associated proteins have impaired degradation, elevated levels, and presynaptic potentiation is enhanced at the earliest stages of amyloid beta accumulation. 2. Anatomizing discrete synaptic proteomes. Synapses display elaborate molecular diversity. We want to know which proteins are present at distinct synapses, how they contribute to synapse specific properties, and how synaptic proteomes change during neurodegeneration. 3. Determining mechanism underlying noise induced cochlear synapse deterioration. We recently discovered exposure to loud noise unbalances the cochlear proteome and activates the proteostasis network. We are testing if modulating the proteostasis network with small molecules can prevent noise induced hearing loss.
Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Tiffany Schmidt, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: http://www.schmidtlab-northwestern.com
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Our lab studies the role of light in behavior by linking the cellular function of cells within the retina to their downstream circuits in the brain and output behavior. To do this, we examine the role of RGC subtypes in specific visual functions. For example, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which express the photopigment melanopsin, comprise five subtypes that drive a wide range of behaviors from circadian photoentrainment to contrast sensitivity for vision. The defined and quantitative behaviors in which these cells are involved and the myriad available genetic tools for the study of this system make it an ideal one in which to study the circuitry and role of ganglion cells in visual behavior. We do this using a range of techniques from electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, optogenetics, and behavioral approaches in various genetic mouse models.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmologyy
Gregory Schwartz, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Website: http://schwartzlab.feinberg.northwestern.edu
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Research in our lab focuses on the circuit mechanisms underlying sensory computation. We use the mouse retina as a model system because it allows us to stimulate the circuit precisely with its natural input, patterns of light, and record its natural output, the spike trains of retinal ganglion cells. We harness the power of genetic manipulations and detailed information about cell types to uncover new circuits and discover their role in visual processing. Our methods include electrophysiology, computational modeling, and circuit tracing, and behavior.
Yuta Senzai, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience (Starting Jan 2025)
Yuta Senzai, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/senzailab/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Sensory Systems, Sleep
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
How does our brain generate vivid dream perception internally, while disconnected from the external world during sleep? Answering this question will provide clues to the nature of our internal generative model of the world, which is also crucial for our awake perception. Moreover, how does such an internal model integrate the motor and spatial navigation circuits to support active perception and virtual navigation in dreams, which could contribute to learning and memory during sleep? To answer these questions, my lab focuses on the superior colliculus as a central hub orchestrating perception and learning during sleep, through its tight interaction with thalamocortical networks important for vision, action, navigation, and memory formation.
My lab combines cutting-edge technologies in freely behaving and sleeping mice, such as chronic large-scale electrophysiological recordings, decoding neuronal representation, opto- and chemogenetics, eye movement monitoring, behavioral analysis, and computational techniques.
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stewart Shankman, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/nearlab/
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Cognitive Neuroscience
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging, human electrophysiology
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Shankman’s research focuses on the relation between depression and anxiety disorders (i.e., internalizing psychopathologies), with an emphasis on neurobehavioral processes that are common vs. specific emotional between the two. Internalizing psychopathologies are serious and prevalent public health problems with an economic burden of hundreds of billions of dollars that is increasing in recent years. While moderately efficacious treatments have been developed for these conditions (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapies, SSRIs), treatment response is very heterogeneous. Our group’s research attempts to improve our understanding of internalizing psychopathologies and their risk factors so that (a) more effective interventions and preventative strategies can be developed for specific people and (b) to identify specific targets for those intervention and prevention efforts. Currently, Dr. Shankman is the Principal Investigator and co-investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects utilizing multiple methods (e.g., fMRI, electrophysiology, laboratory behavioral paradigms, etc)
Professor of Neuroscience
Gordon Shepherd, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.shepherdlab.net/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Cognitive Neuroscience, Motor Control, Neurobiology of Disease, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
How do we move? Our lab is interested in understanding the organization of cell-type-specific circuits in the motor system, focusing on mouse motor cortex and its long-range input and output connections with other motor circuits, via corticospinal, corticobulbar, corticostriatal, corticothalamic, thalamocortical, and other types of projection neurons, as well as inhibitory mechanisms. We use optogenetics, whole-cell electrophysiology, viral labeling, laser scanning photostimulation, and related methods to dissect these circuits, as well as high-speed close-up videography, DeepLabCut tracking, and in vivo electrophysiology recordings and perturbations to study the roles of these circuits in manual dexterity. Please visit our lab web site, and don't hesitate to get in contact if you are a NUIN student interested in our projects.
Patrick G. Ryan/Aon Professor of Chemistry
Richard Silverman, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Neuropharmacology
Research Interest Description:
My group designs and synthesizes inhibitors of enzymes (neuronal nitric oxide synthase and GABA aminotransferase) important to the treatment of neurodegenerative (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cerebral palsy) and neurological (epilepsy, neuropathic pain) diseases and disorders. We also design inhibitors of protein aggregation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, upper motor neuron diseases, and Alzheimer's disease. We collaborate with investigators that carry out animal studies to demonstrate in vivo efficacy following our in vitro studies.
Research Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Kevin Sitek, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://sitek.github.io
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Motor Control, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Sitek’s research focuses on mapping the brain regions (cortical and subcortical), connections, and representations that enable human hearing and communication. To understand the human auditory system, he has published work using electroencephalography, diffusion-weighted MRI structural connectivity, functional MRI connectivity, task-based functional MRI, and post mortem histology and anatomical MRI. In the SoundBrain Lab at Northwestern University, Dr. Sitek is investigating representations of speech sounds and connectivity across the human auditory system using MRI. He is also using EEG to measure early auditory processing of self-generated sounds to understand how motor planning interacts with auditory perception. His work is supported by grants from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at the National Institutes of Health.
Professor of Neurology
Marc Slutzky, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/slutzkylab/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neuroprosthetics, Speech and language function
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human brain recordings, human EMG
Research Interest Description:
The goal of our research is to help people with neurologic impairment from disorders such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or ALS to recover motor or speech function. Our research centers around using neural prosthetics, i.e., brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) or myoelectric computer interfaces (MyoCIs). We use BMIs in humans with brain injury, tumors, or epilepsy to decode movement or speech from their brain signals. This could be used to restore function, or improve it by driving brain plasticity. We also study wearable EMGs to improve arm movement after stroke. In clinical trials, participants use these MyoCIs to play custom video games at home that are designed to improve muscle coordination. We also are studying combining this with sleep-based training to improve motor learning. Finally, we are interested in improving functional mapping for brain surgery.
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Richard Smith, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.rsmithlab.com
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Transcriptomics, Single Cell Biology
Research Interest Description:
We study how electrical activity shapes brain development during the gestational period, and how neurodevelopmental diseases associated with ion channel dysfunction can change the structure of the brain in children. Mechanisms uncovered by studying developmental ion channel diseases can be leveraged for development of therapeutics, as well as provide novel insights into evolution of the human neocortex. Please see www.rsmithlab.com for more information.
Professor of Neuroscience
Sara Solla, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Motor Control, Sensory Systems, Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling
Research Interest Description:
Sara A. Solla is a theoretical physicist who works in theoretical and computational neuroscience. Her research uses tools from statistical physics, statistical inference, information theory, machine learning, and dynamical systems to investigate aspects of information processing, storage, and retrieval in the brain at the systems level, with focus on sensory and motor systems. Her work reflects her belief that physics is not a profession but an education, one that provides analytical, mathematical, and computational skills that can be successfully applied to research in a wide variety of problems.
Professor and Chair of Department of Neuroscience
D. James Surmeier, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Genetics and Epigenetics, Motor Control, Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics
Research Interest Description:
I direct a research program focusing on molecular, cellular and network mechanisms governing the basal ganglia in health and disease states. Using a combination of electrophysiological, optical and genetic approaches in mouse models of disease, our group has made major contributions to our understanding of how dopamine and other neuromodulators shape intrinsic and synaptic mechanisms underlying basal ganglia function, as well as how these processes are altered in Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and chronic pain states.
Professor of Psychology
Satoru Suzuki, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
My research goal is to understand how internal neural dynamics are structured to facilitate productive interactions with environmental dynamics, using EEG time-series analyses, behavioral methods, and mathematical reasoning.
Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Pharmacology
Geoff Swanson, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/GeoffreySwanson/index.html
Research Types: Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuronal Cell Biology, Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics
Research Interest Description:
We study the molecular and physiological properties of receptor proteins that underlie excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain. Current research focuses primarily on understanding the roles of kainate receptors, a family of glutamate receptors whose diverse physiological functions include modulation of neurotransmission and induction of synaptic plasticity. We are also interested in exploring how kainate receptors might contribute to pathological processes such as epilepsy, pain and neurodevelopmental disorders. The laboratory investigates receptor function using a diverse group of techniques that include patch-clamp electrophysiology, selective pharmacological compounds, molecular and cellular techniques, and gene-targeted mice.
Ralph and Jean Sundin Professor of Communication Sciences
Cynthia K Thompson, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging
Research Interest Description:
Dr. Thompson's research in cognitive neuroscience focuses on the neural mechanisms of language, primarily sentence processing, in cognitively healthy and aphasic individuals. Her work in neuroplasticity also addresses the neurobiology of language recovery in people with aphasia, brain variables related to recovery, including white matter tract integrity and resting-state neural connectivity, and the effects of behavioral treatment coupled with noninvasive neural stimulation. This work makes use of mutually supportive language representation (linguistic) and processing accounts of normal language to predict breakdown and recovery patterns. Dr. Thompson also is engaged in work examining lexical and syntactic declination in individuals with dementia — specifically Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a progressive language deficit of unknown etiology.
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Iris Titos Vivancos, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuroendocrinology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics
Research Interest Description:
The focus of the lab is to identify novel peripheral organ signaling pathways and determine how they influence behaviors such as sleep and substance use disorder. Sleep is essential for life, and poor sleep quality represents a risk factor for metabolic and psychiatric disorders. While sleep duration has been extensively investigated, sleep depth, which is equally important because of its restorative functionovers, is understudied due to the challenges in measuring it. We have developed a behavioral setup that allows us to investigate how dietary manipulations and their effect on gut secretory signaling pathways affect sleep depth. Diet imbalances are also a strong predictor for substance use disorder and we have developed novel assays showing that dietary changes can alter psychostimulant preference. Our overarching goal is to provide crucial and missing molecular mechanistic understanding of how inter-organ signals shape essential and maladaptive behaviors, to enable novel preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Matthew Tresch, PhD
Campus Location: Both
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
We examine the neural control of movement, focusing on the role of spinal circuitry. We use an interdisciplinary approach in this research, using a combination of behavioral, biomechanical, and neurophysiological techniques.
Professor of Neurobiology
Fred Turek, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://cscb.northwestern.edu/
Research Types: Neurobiology of Disease, Neurodegenerative Disorders
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Quantitative Behavior, Reading of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Research Interest Description:
Research in the Turek laboratory is focused on the study of sleep and circadian rhythms, with special interest in identifying genes that regulate sleep and circadian rhythms. A second major focus of the lab is the use of rodent models to determine the effects of disrupting sleep and circadian rhythms (following genetic and environmental disturbances) on mental and physical health. A third major focus is on disruptions of the gut microbiota and Brain-Microbiota-Gut Axis.
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences and Neuroscience
Vicki Tysseling, PhD, PT
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/tysseling/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Movement & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology of Disease, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
The goal of our lab is to enhance functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Our approach to SCI research uses animal models to identify changes that occur within the spinal cord after injury. Specifically, we are interested in the changes that contribute to movement dysfunction. Once we have identified these changes, such as alterations in protein expression or neuronal excitability, we can create therapies that target these changes and produce a more functional motor output. We measure therapeutic effects not only in vitro on the local neuronal functions, but also in vivo on the overall behavior. In particular, we are focused on examining ventral motoneuronal and dorsal spinal interneuronal behavior, isolated spinal reflexes, single motor unit recordings, muscle activation and patterning during locomotion, and hyperreflexia.
Director of Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Professor of Behavioral Neurology and Cell & Developmental Biology
Robert Vassar, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/vassarlab/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Alzheimer's Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
We study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease with the goal of contributing to the discovery of effective disease-modifying therapies. We have multiple projects focusing on diverse aspects of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. We investigate the β-secretase enzyme BACE1, which initiates the production of the β -amyloid peptide that plays a central early role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s. We investigate the role of BACE1 in health and disease, and predict side-effects of BACE1 inhibitors currently in clinical trials. Other projects study genetic mutations that increase the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, such as a rare mutation in the angiotensin converting enzyme, and a mutation in UNC5C, to understand how apoptosis contributes to development of the disease. Finally, we investigate how the microbiome affects astrocyte activation and inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease.
Research Professor of Neurobiology
Martha Vitaterna, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Website: https://cscb.northwestern.edu/
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Genetics and Epigenetics, Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, Microbiome interactions with behavior
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
My primary research focus is on the genetics of sleep and circadian rhythms. This has included the functional identification of core mammalian circadian clock genes, Clock, Cry1, and Cry2. The original Clock mutant mouse (Vitaterna et al., Science, 1994) has proven to be an invaluable research model for identifying the role of circadian timekeeping in sleep, affect, metabolism, and numerous other systems. Recently, my research has extended to studies of the gut microbiome, with its rapidly evolving genetic capabilities, in sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances. We have examined this in the context of acute and chronic stress on earth (e.g., Bowers et al., Sleep, 2020), as well as in the context of space travel with NASA sponsored studies onboard the International Space Station (e.g., Jiang et al., Microbiome, 2019).
Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Sandra Weintraub, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.brain.northwestern.edu
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuropsychology; Aging and Dementia
Faculty Technique: Quantitative Behavior, Clinical neuropsychological tests and other measures of health
Research Interest Description:
Age-related neurodegenerative brain diseases that affect cognition and behavior are the focus of my work. Large-scale neuroanatomical networks such as those that support language can be selectively targeted by disease. Interdisciplinary studies on the cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration have uncovered new principles of language organization in the brain and supported a theory of familial neuroanatomical network vulnerability to disease. The heterogeneity of dementia has been illustrated with clinical studies of individuals with Alzheimer brain pathology and non amnestic clinical syndromes. Studies of "SuperAgers", older adults who maintain a high level of memory function into advanced old age, illustrate the varied trajectories "average" individuals take as their brains age. This work combines a focus on cognitive neuroscience with an aim to improve diagnosis of age-related cognitive decline and to translate findings to benefit patient with dementia and their caregivers.
Research Professor of Otolaryngology
Donna Whitlon, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C14&q=whitlon&btnG=
Research Types: Neuronal Cell Biology, Sensory Systems, Hearing Research
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy
Research Interest Description:
The main focus of this group is to screen for drug/chemicals that protect or repair hearing and to move them to the clinic.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Yvette Wong, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/wonglab/
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Neuronal Cell Biology
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
Our lab’s goal is to investigate organelle dynamics such as mitochondria and lysosomes to elucidate new pathways in neuronal and cell biology, and diseases including neurodegeneration. Mitochondria and lysosomes are key organelles for cellular function, and their misregulation has been linked to multiple diseases. Moreover, organelles are highly dynamic and investigating their regulation in real-time is crucial for understanding cellular and neuronal homeostasis. We are interested in: 1) Regulation and functions of inter-organelle contacts such as mitochondria-lysosome contact sites which mediate organelle crosstalk; 2) Mechanistic roles of organelle dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, mitochondrial disorders and lysosomal diseases; and 3) Identifying new organelle dynamics using advanced imaging to discover novel pathways in neuroscience. We use advanced live-cell super-resolution microscopy in human cell lines, neurons, and various disease models to address these important questions.
Professor of Neurobiology
Catherine Woolley, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Learning & Memory, Neuroendocrinology, Neuronal Cell Biology
Faculty Technique: Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
Research Interest Description:
Our research focuses on steroid regulation of synaptic structure and function and the consequences of steroid-driven synaptic modulation for behavior. Most of our work is on the hippocampus, a brain region important in learning and memory, epilepsy, and in affective behaviors like anxiety and depression. We use a range of approaches in our studies including molecular biology, biochemistry, light and electron microscopy, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, and behavioral assays.
Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Beverly Wright, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
Perceptual learning: Performance on perceptual tasks improves with practice, indicating that our sensory systems are not rigid but rather can be changed through experience. I investigate the factors that facilitate, and those that disrupt, perceptual learning on auditory skills, including how those factors change with age and are affected by sensory and cognitive disorders. Knowledge of these issues could lead to training strategies that enhance skill acquisition and facilitate perceptual rehabilitation. Language-based learning problems: Dyslexia and developmental language disorder hinder the ability of individuals with normal intelligence to produce or understand oral or written language. I investigate perceptual deficits in individuals with learning problems and am particularly interested in the possibility that delayed brain development, and its interaction with puberty, contribute to these disorders. Auditory attention: I investigate how listeners distribute their attention during auditory tasks, focusing recently on a perceptual illusion that holds promise as a clinical test.
Associate Professor of Radiology
Lirong Yan, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimaging
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Research Interest Description:
My research focuses on developing novel neuroimaging MRI techniques to study brain function and hemodynamics. I am also interested in developing early and sensitive MRI imaging biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, such as aging, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia.
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Yue Yang, PhD
Campus Location: Evanston
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Genetics and Epigenetics, Learning & Memory, Neurodevelopment
Faculty Technique: Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Large numbers of genes turn on and off in temporally and spatially precise patterns in the brain to regulate neural circuit development and refinement. The Yang laboratory is interested in the chromatin mechanisms operating in the nucleus that organize functional neural circuits. We are studying how developmental signals or sensory experience in vivo activate these chromatin mechanisms to orchestrate programs of gene expression in the brain. Our model system is the mouse cerebellum, a hindbrain structure important for motor coordination and motor learning. A major goal is to elucidate how chromatin mechanisms and gene expression networks pattern the neural circuits underlying motor behavior and learning and memory. The laboratory deploys next-generation molecular neuroscience approaches including epigenetics and chromatin conformation profiling using massive parallel sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and bioinformatics, as well as systems neuroscience tools including optogenetics, in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, and mouse behavior.
Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Jun Yao, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.scholars.northwestern.edu/en/persons/jun-yao
Research Types: Motor Control, Movement & Rehabilitation
Faculty Technique: Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
I have a keen interest in employing multi-modality brain imaging and quantitative methodologies to investigate the neuromechanisms that underlie motor control and movement disorders resulting from nervous system injuries. Through the integration of neuroscientific insights and cutting-edge biomedical engineering techniques, particularly neural machine interfaces, I am actively working on the development of innovative rehabilitation approaches aimed at restoring functional control of the affected hand in stroke survivors with moderate to severe impairment.
Benjamin and Virginia T. Boshes Professor of Neurology
Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sleep
Research Types: Genetics and Epigenetics, Neurobiology of Disease, Circadian Rhythms and Sleep
Research Interest Description:
My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that link alterations in sleep, circadian rhythms and sleep disorders with neurological and cardio-metabolic disorders, as well as the development of treatments for sleep and circadian based disturbances in clinical populations. I am currently principal investigator or collaborator in several NIH funded studies to understand the mechanisms linking sleep quality and circadian alignment with neurocognitive impairment, mood, cardiovascular and metabolic risk in populations at risk for sleep and circadian disorders.
Assistant Professor Neurology
Christina Zelano, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/zelano/
Research Types: Cognitive Neuroscience, Learning & Memory, Neurobiology of Disease, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Human Functional and Structural Imaging, Proteomics, Quantitative Behavior
Research Interest Description:
My lab studies the human olfactory system. More specifically, we study the impact of natural respiratory rhythms on brain activity and behavior, olfactory networks, olfactory attention and memory, primary olfactory cortical areas including subregions of the amygdala that receive direct input from the olfactory bulb, and proteins in exhaled breath of diseased patients including those with COVID-19.
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Jing Zheng, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Neurodevelopment, Neuronal Cell Biology, Sensory Systems, Neurobiology of Disease
Faculty Technique: Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Proteomics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Deafness is the common sensory defect affecting millions of people. Causes of deafness are often associated with defects in outer hair cells (OHCs). We aim to identify and investigate molecules that play essential roles in mammalian hearing. We currently focus on Prestin, the OHC motor protein required for the cochlear amplification (Zheng et al., Nature, 2000), CEACAM16, an adhesive protein of the tectorial membrane required for delivering OHC mechanical feedback and thereby amplification (Zheng et al., PNAS, 2011), and CAMSAP3, a microtubule-binding protein involved in many cellular functions including motile cilia formation (Robinson et al., PNAS, 2020). Our lab has found that animals with a knock-down of CAMSAP3 protein display symptoms reminiscent of primary ciliary dyskinesia, including otitis media and hearing loss. Continuing these studies will enrich our understanding of cochlear physiology at the molecular level and further develop better strategies to prevent hearing loss.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Yongling Zhu, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Research Types: Circuits and Behavior, Sensory Systems
Faculty Technique: Circuit Tracing, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Fluorescence Imaging & Microscopy, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Optogenetics and Chemogenetics, Quantitative Behavior, Transcriptomics
Research Interest Description:
Our laboratory investigates the structure and function of neural circuits responsible for processing visual information in the mammalian retina. The retina consists of a vast array of neuronal cell types organized into distinct circuits that are critical for behavioral computations. Our primary focus centers on advancing technologies within the mouse model system, enabling us to target highly specific sets of neurons and circuits with enhanced spatial and temporal resolution. To dissect and study these circuits, we employ a combination of intersectional mouse genetics, G-deleted rabies viral tracing, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and two-photon imaging. Our approach encompasses both discovery-based and hypothesis-driven methods, aimed at gaining deeper insights into how specific subsets of neurons integrate into larger circuits, ultimately contributing to various neural representations of the visual world.
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Joshua Ziarek, PhD
Campus Location: Chicago
Website: http://www.ziareklab.com
Research Types: Neuropharmacology
Faculty Technique: Computation and Modeling, Electrophysiology and Biophysics, Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics, Protein structure
Research Interest Description:
The discovery of interventions for cocaine and methamphetamine substance use disorders (SUDs) continues to be a strategic priority of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1) has long been recognized as a potential therapeutic target but developing ligands that maintain high bioavailability and CNS penetration has proven particularly difficult. The handful of small molecule agonists and antagonists that have been developed all suffer from on-target side effects such as hypothermia, hypotension, and impaired motor control. Unlike many signaling proteins that function as binary switches between ‘on and off’ states, GPCRs operate more like dimmer switches - with activity that can be increased or decreased along a continuum. Current projects aim to understand the molecular mechanisms of receptor activation and rationally-design drugs/tools that combat substance abuse disorders.