Stanford University · Biomedical EngineeringSchnitzer Lab
Mark J Schnitzer · Stanford, California
Research Focus
Dr. Mark Schnitzer's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding how different types of neurons in the brain interact and influence behavior. They have developed a groundbreaking robotic imaging system called the Octopus, which allows researchers to simultaneously observe neural activity in multiple regions of the brain. This technology aims to improve our understanding of brain function by enabling real-time imaging of genetically defined neuron types in awake animals.
neuroimagingroboticstwo-photon microscopyneural dynamicsoptogeneticsbehavioral neurosciencegenetically defined neuronsBRAIN initiativemulti-area neural imagingrodent models
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop a robotic imaging system to study neural interactions across various brain areas.
AIM 02Enhance the optical and mechanical design of the imaging system for improved performance.
AIM 03Facilitate the use of this system by collaborating with beta-testing labs to validate its functionality.
AIM 04Investigate how genetically defined neurons coordinate activity in complex behaviors.
AIM 05Promote widespread use of the new imaging technology within the neuroscience community.
Skills the Lab Values
two-photon microscopyrobotic system designoptogenetics techniquesneural activity monitoringexperimental designdata acquisitioncomputer programminganimal behavior studies3D imaging analysis
Output against the department
Publications173bottom 39% of dept.361st of 595
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations25ktop 13% of dept.78th of 595
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.