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

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!

Apr 07, 2025 - Nagham selected as Psychology department nominee for LSA honors
Nagham was selected as the Psychology department nominee for both the Elizabeth Hume O'Donnell Honors Graduation Prize and the Marshall Nirenberg Life Sciences Award (Goldstein Prize) LSA Honors awards. This nomination was based on the quality of her senior honor's thesis and her overall research performance throughout her time as an undergraduate student in the lab. Congratulations, Nagham, on this well-deserved honor!

Apr 01, 2025 - Welcoming a “mini team” of CS undergrads to the Mattis lab!
We are very excited to welcome four UMich undergraduate students to the lab to contribute to our data analysis efforts! Sreyashi Mondal and Alexander Sajdak are sophomores studying CS. Saif Siddiqui is a junior studying CS on the pre-medical track. Rajveer Shah is a sophomore "AI and finance enthusiast". We think there's a lot to gain by bringing computer science students into a neuroscience lab, and we are looking forward to working together!

Mar 03, 2025 - Our work is highlighted as part of the UM Medical School’s “Great Minds, Greater Discoveries” strategic research plan
We were privileged to have our Research Scouts award project publicized by the University of Michigan Medical School. Thank you to the Research Communication team for helping us to share our work! https://medresearch.umich.edu/great-minds-greater-discoveries/research-scout-awardee-joanna-mattis-md-phd

Feb 17, 2025 - Joanna gives a talk at the annual Biophysical Society Conference
Joanna was an invited speaker at the "Optogenetics: From Signaling to Cell Behavior" symposium at the Biophysical Society 69th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. Thank you to the organizers for the invitation!

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