C. Savio Chan, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
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Dr. Chan started his research group in 2012 at Northwestern University, Department of Physiology.
The broad goal of the Chan Lab is to identify molecular entities and circuit elements that are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer's disease. Our ultimate goal is to provide an improved framework for the development of novel treatments for these diseases. This is demonstrated by the clinical trials emerging from our research.
Brianna Berceau
AFFILIATE
Brianna earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology in 2015 from Emory University. She joined the Chan lab in January 2017 and is particularly interested in understanding the neural mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative disease. Brianna is a sports enthusiast with a passion for the outdoors, working out and spending time with family. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northwestern University.
Ruben De la Mora
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
Ruben earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology with a Minor in Global Health from Northwestern University. He first took interest in neuroscience through an intro to neuroscience class he took during his sophomore year. Ruben joined the Chan lab to obtain research experience and broaden his scientific knowledge. He plans to pursue a career in medicine and likes to play the piano in his free time.
Isaac Chang
HKUST STUDENT
Isaac is an undergraduate student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He joined the Chan Lab as a visiting research intern in January 2020. He is interested in exploring the mechanisms underlying various neurodegenerative disorders. His work involves establishing models to classify mouse behavior and performing electrophysiological studies in GPe neurons. In his downtime, he enjoys listening to music and doing exercise.
Qiaoling Cui, PhD
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Qiaoling received her PhD from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She exchanged in Chan lab during the last two years of her PhD study. After graduation in 2012, she joined Chan lab as a postdoctoral fellow. Utilizing mostly ex vivo approaches, she has been studying synaptic transmission in the basal ganglia and how it is altered in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. She is interested in continuing research with the basal ganglia and integrating more studies with intact animals. After work, she enjoys hiking, classical concert and appreciates the nature beauty of the US.
Harry Xenias, PhD
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Harry received his PhD from Rutgers University. He is a post-doctoral fellow studying alterations of pallidostriatal input in both healthy rodents and rodent models of Parkinson’s Disease with the goal of understanding normal basal ganglia circuit function and how it goes awry in disease. He uses both ex vivo and in vivo techniques that include whole-cell recording and optogenetics. On his off-hours, he enjoys working out and running.
Suraj Cherian, PhD
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Suraj received his PhD from the University of Vermont. He is currently trying to understand how intrinsic and synaptic properties of striatal projection neurons are altered in dysregulated neural circuits related to Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Apart from work, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Arin Pamukcu
GRADUATE STUDENT
Arin is a graduate student in the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. During her undergraduate studies, she worked with Dr. Cagla Eroglu on astrocytic regulation of synapse formation for her graduation with distinction project and received HHMI undergraduate fellowships for two years. For her graduate work, she is interested in understanding how alterations in the basal ganglia circuits lead to movement disorders. Outside of lab, Arin enjoys running, traveling, and being outdoors.
Ahana Narayanan
IMSA STUDENT
Ahana is a sophomore at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. She joined the Chan Lab in June of 2018, and is interested in how disruption of cellular communications in the brain can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, and what we can do to develop novel treatments. Apart from working at the lab, Ahana enjoys singing, the arts, and spending time with her family and friends
Kris Shah
JACOBS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Kris is a senior at Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin. He joined the Chan Lab in February 2019 and focused on better understanding neurophysiological changes that occur in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. To this end, he is involved in developing analysis using deep-learning and other computational methods. His future goals include attending medical school and becoming a physician-scientist. Outside of the lab, Kris advocates for mental health destigmatization, and he also enjoys playing basketball, reading about current events, and spending time with family and friends.
Alyssa Bebenek
U PENN STUDENT
Alyssa is an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a Bachelors in Biochemistry and a minors in Bioethics on the pre-med track. She joined the Chan lab in June of 2018, with an interest in understanding the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological basis for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Apart from the lab, Alyssa enjoys the outdoors, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Vishnu Rangachari
ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY STUDENT
Vishnu is an undergraduate student at Saint Louis University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Engineering Mathematics. He joined the Chan Lab in June 2019. He is developing data analysis techniques to study the pallidal input and how it is altered in diseases likes Parkinson’s disease. Upon graduating, he intends to pursue a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, focusing on either Biomedical Data Science or Neuroengineering. Apart from his academic pursuits, Vishnu enjoys singing and playing the violin, working out, and cooking.
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