Computational Neuroscience · Astrocytes · Machine Learning

Ethan Chang

Researching how astrocytes shape neural computation to inform bio-inspired artificial intelligence.

Portrait of Ethan Chang

Research-driven Discovery

I am a neuroscience Ph.D. student at Washington University in St. Louis, a joint doctoral researcher in the Brain Dynamics and Control Lab (Electrical and Systems Engineering) and the Papouin Lab (Neuroscience). My interests lie in computational neuroscience, astrocyte biology, and machine learning.

My work focuses on understanding how non-neuronal cells called astrocytes contribute to neural circuit function, and how those insights can be translated into more biologically grounded computational models.

I am also pursuing advanced training in applied and computational mathematics, with interests spanning optimization, probabilistic modeling, and deep learning.

Research Interests

  • Astrocyte function in neural circuits
  • Bio-inspired neural network architectures
  • Computational learning and decision modeling
  • Machine learning
  • Reinforcement learning

Education

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience Washington University in St. Louis · 2025–2030
  • M.S. in Applied & Computational Mathematics Johns Hopkins University · 2025–2028
  • B.S. in Neuroscience, High Distinction University of Rochester · 2021–2025
  • B.A. in Mathematics University of Rochester · 2021–2025

Journal Articles

  1. Gahn-Martinez D, Giannetto M, Chang E, et al. Chronic intracerebroventricular cannulation as a viable delivery method to CSF. eNeuro, 2025..
  2. Giannetto M, Gomolka R, Gahn-Martinez D, Chang E, et al. Glymphatic fluid transport is suppressed by the AQP4 inhibitor AER-271. Glia, 2024..

Presentations

  1. Chang E, et al. Aquaporin-4 Expression on Glymphatic Clearance Routes and Function. Schwartz Discover Scholar Showcase, 2024.
  2. Chang E, et al. Aquaporin-4 Expression and Size-Dependent Solute Movement in the Brain. UR Undergraduate Research Exposition, 2024.
  3. Chang E, Barth RK. Isolation of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria from the environment. Department of Microbiology and Immunology Poster Session, 2023.
  4. Chang E, et al. Glymphatic fluid transport is suppressed by the AQP4 inhibitor AER-271. University of Rochester Undergraduate Program in Biology and Medicine Poster Symposium, 2023.

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