Biography
C. Savio Chan, Ph.D.
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At a Glance
The Chan Lab was established in 2012 by Dr. C. Savio Chan at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, where he serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience. The broad goal of the laboratory is to identify the molecular entities and circuit elements involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and dystonia. By providing an improved framework for understanding these conditions at the molecular, circuit, and systems levels, the lab aims to catalyze the development of novel treatments.
Research & Technical Innovations
Dr. Chan is a leading authority on the external globus pallidus (GPe) and a principal architect of our modern understanding of this basal ganglia nucleus. The laboratory has been central to the field's reclassification of GPe cell types, most notably through the production of the Npas1-Cre-tdTomato transgenic mouse line and the characterization of an extensive suite of genetic driver and reporter tools.
Using these genetic tools, the group has systematically mapped GPe neuron subtypes and diversity by integrating approaches that span interconnected scales:
Micro-scale: molecular markers and cell specifications
Meso-scale: ex vivo electrophysiology and circuit organization
Macro-scale: in vivo photometry and behavioral studies
This work has unveiled the intricate cell and circuit complexity of the GPe, including its widespread interconnectivity and multifaceted roles beyond the basal ganglia. These contributions are synthesized in key reviews authored by Dr. Chan (see full list on Pubmed | GoogleScholar | ORCID):
2026 Trends Open on next-generation GPe taxonomy
2023 Nature Neuroscience on GPe complexity
2023 Trends in Neurosciences on GPe non-motor functions
Scientific & Mentoring Philosophy
The best science results from a combination of hard work and creativity. Although a career in science can sometimes require you to work long or odd hours in the lab, you should not make a habit of it. Doing so is more likely to harm your mental health than advance your career. Work the hours that are required, then get out and free your mind so that you can continue to innovate, to learn, and to be creative, happy, and motivated.
Evaluation by Impact: Physical hours spent in the lab are not monitored. Trainees are judged by substantive progress, resourcefulness in troubleshooting, honest and resilient handling of setbacks, and the grit and creativity brought to confusing results.
Lab Citizenship & Collaboration: All trainees are expected to be responsible lab citizens—keeping the space clean and organized, and generously sharing expertise. Teamwork and collaboration are indispensable. Treat every person you work with, no matter their current job title, as someone who may one day be your faculty colleague.
Committed Mentorship: Training support is provided through all stages of development. Mentorship is rooted in active listening, treating trainees as people first and students or employees second, and serving as a collaborative partner in resolving issues that arise.
Join Us
The Chan Lab seeks passionate, curious, and self-driven scientists to join our team.