Mattis Lab – Dissecting the circuit mechanisms of epilepsy

Our long-term goal is to develop new epilepsy treatments that are rationally designed to target precise circuit elements. We investigate how neuronal circuits are dysfunctional in epilepsy, and how these circuits can be modified to improve seizures.

The Mattis Lab is located in the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan. We are affiliated with the Department of Neurology and with the Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI). The lab was founded June 2022, and we have already built a vibrant and productive lab community!

Mattis lab, June 2023

Research

Our research combines slice and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and imaging techniques (2-photon and fiber photometry) in preclinical experimental models of epilepsy. We use this approach to study

The role of subcortical neuromodulatory networks in seizures
How subcortical neuromodulatory networks are chronically impacted in epilepsy

The role of subcortical neuromodulatory networks in seizures

The impact of chronic epilepsy on neuromodulatory networks

Lab News

May 16, 2025 - Nagham’s poster is selected for a prize at the U-M Neuroscience conference
Nagham's poster was selected (based upon votes by conference attendees) for a prize at the University of Michigan Neuroscience conference. This was notably a general prize, not limited to undergraduate students. Congratulations, Nagham!

May 04, 2025 - Congratulations to graduates from our lab!
Congrats to Joe (MCDB) for completing his master's, and to Izzy and Rida (Neuroscience) and Nagham (Psychology) for completing their undergraduate degrees. Major milestones all around!

Apr 28, 2025 - Congratulations to our seniors!
A lovely evening celebrating our lab's seniors - Juan, Nagham, Izzy, and Rida - and their mentors. Thank you, all, for your contributions to the lab. And congratulations!

Apr 28, 2025 - Alex & Ruitao awarded summer research fellowships
Alex Hollier and Ruitao Shen were both awarded undergraduate Neuroscience Summer Research Fellowships through the UM Program in Biology. This will support their full time summer research in the lab. Congrats, Alex & Ruitao!

Apr 07, 2025 - Alex awarded a Magnificent Michigan Summer Undergraduate research fellowship
Alex Hollier was awarded a Magnificent Michigan Summer Undergraduate research fellowship to support his full time work in the lab this summer. Congratulations, Alex!

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