Dr. Scott Owen's lab studies how neuromodulation can shape the activity of targeted cell types and circuits to guide behavior. Their goal is to understand how specialized physiology, connectivity, and cell-signaling support the diverse functions of individual neuronal cell types. How can a deeper understanding of these features guide future therapeutic interventions for neurological diseases including Autism, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Parkinson’s Disease? To address these questions, the Owen lab integrates a diverse set of experimental approaches, including human and mouse brain slice physiology, single-cell RNA sequencing, operant mouse behavior, in vivo physiology, imaging, and tool development.

Research in the Owen lab focuses on three primary questions: How can neuromodulation reveal the function of cell types and circuits? Are these mechanisms conserved between the human brain and animal models? And how can these pathways be engaged for the treatment of neurological disease?