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Message from the Chair

Advancing neuroscience for the benefit of all

The Department of Neuroscience strives to support an environment of treating all equally, with respect and fairness. We recognize that it is crucial to foster a thriving, innovative, and socially responsible academic environment that works to support biomedical research that benefits all populations in our community, state, and nation. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds and identities, and we are fully committed to eradicating barriers, enhancing opportunities, and advancing neuroscience research to the benefit of everyone. Our ultimate goal is to provide health access and research to all communities and support cultural understanding.

We believe that talented scientists come from all backgrounds and communities, but that a lack of access to resources and opportunities can limit the realization of one’s full potential. At a medical university, our department endeavors to support equal health care for all by providing opportunities and access to individuals from medically underserved and rural communities, socioeconomically disadvantaged households, and first-generation college students and graduates. By implementing programs, practices, and transparency, we create a welcoming community, advance scientific excellence, and support our most valuable asset — our students, postdocs, faculty, and staff.

Christopher W. Cowan, Ph.D.

Professor, Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry
William E. Murray SmartState Endowed Chair of Excellence in Neuroscience
Chair, Department of Neuroscience
68 President Street, BEB 210
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-2935

Biography: Dr. Cowan is Professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience and the William E. Murray SmartState Endowed Chair in Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina. Before moving his lab to MUSC in 2016, Dr. Cowan was an Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital where he served as the Director of the Integrative Neurobiology Laboratory from 2012-2016, and he was an Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School from 2005-2012. Dr. Cowan earned his bachelor of arts degree from Wesleyan University (CT) and his Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine (TX). He completed his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital in the area of molecular neurobiology.