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 built a vibrant and productive lab community!

BSRB

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

Sep 23, 2025 - Welcoming new undergrads to the Mattis lab!
We are glad to welcome several new undergraduate students to the Mattis lab. Silvia Abbasi, junior pre-medical student, will join a new direction in the lab involving analysis of clinical epilepsy data. Arnav Akhaury, a freshman and aspiring future neurosurgeon, will be working with Meiling to study noradrenergic circuits in epilepsy. Yousif Ogaily, a sophomore BCN major, will be working with Joe as part of a team investigating the medial septum's role in seizures. Farah Abdelhak, a freshman MCDB major on the pre-med track, will be working with Krystal to investigate the impact of repeated seizures on brainstem respiratory circuitry.

Sep 18, 2025 - Joanna joins the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s Professional Advisory Committee
Joanna was honored to be invited to join the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan's Professional Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC provides policy guidance and technical assistance to the Team and Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides information, resources, and support to individuals living with epilepsy.

Sep 17, 2025 - Joanna joins the ANA Junior and Early Career Membership (JECM) Subcommittee
Joanna was approved to serve on the American Neurological Association's Junior and Early Career Membership (JECM) Subcommittee, tasked with "enhancing engagement and support recruitment, retention, and representation of junior and early career members". This will be a great opportunity to become more involved with the ANA, the professional society devoted to academic researchers and physician-scientists in neurology.

Sep 16, 2025 - Joanna presents at the American Neurological Association (ANA) meeting
Joanna attended the ANA-NINDS Career Development Symposium (as a K-awardee) and presented the lab's work both at the symposium and at the associated ANA meeting (which was incidentally the 150th annual meeting of the ANA).

Aug 15, 2025 - Krystal selected for an SfN Trainee Professional Development Award
Congratulations to Krystal for being selected for a 2025 Trainee Professional Development Award (TPDA) through the Society for Neuroscience! This award will facilitate her attendance at the 2025 SfN conference and will provide access to a variety of professional development and training resources. Way to go, Krystal!

« First ‹ Previous 1 6 7 8 9 10 18 30 Next › Last »