Ritchie Chen, PhD, MSc, BS

Research Description
The central and peripheral nervous systems play a vital role in regulating fundamental physiological functions such as heart rate, breathing, and immunity. However, studying these connections can be challenging due to a lack of technologies that can record and stimulate neural circuits distributed throughout the body. Our research aims to develop and apply new technologies to map brain-body pathways and to better understand how the nervous system maintains homeostasis and regulates adaptive behavior.

We use a combination of bioengineering, systems neuroscience, and materials science approaches to create biohybrid tools and devices that can interface with the nervous system. Our goal is to engineer cell-type-specific technologies that can accurately target, map, monitor, and control neural circuits while minimizing tissue damage. We also conduct experiments using behavioral, physiological, and neural recording techniques to uncover the fundamental principles of how the brain monitors organ status and visceral sensations and to inform treatment concepts for physiological and circuit disorders.

Current Projects
1)    Determine how cardiac interoception influences emotion-like behavior.
2)    Map the circuits and cell types that convey information from the body to the brain.
3)    Develop tools and devices for cell-type-specific neuromodulation and recording.

Lab Members
Leo Zsembik, Neuroscience Graduate Student
Manasi Kumar, Master of Translational Medicine Student
Mingyang Ma, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student
Qiming (Regan) Zhang, Bioengineering Graduate Student
Styra Wang, Junior Specialist

Lab Website

List of academic community service:
NS Writing Course Mentor, BioE Graduate Advisor