Dr Felix Chan

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My main research interest is in neuroenergetics - what metabolic pathways and substrates drive our brain activity. To study this, I have focused on understanding metabolism in epilepsy.

Epilepsy presents as high-frequency repetitive firing of the neurons; which imposes considerable energetic demand on the brain; yet very little is known about what metabolic pathway sustain this incredibly challenging network activity. Additionally, some epilepsies have metabolic causes; some of which I have/currently studies; including mitochondrial epilepsy (in mitochondrial diseases like MELAS or MERRF) and mTORopathies like tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). By understanding these various metabolic epilepsies, I hope to comprehensively understand the metabolic and mitochondrial aspect of epilepsy. Finally, I hope to leverage our understanding of metabolism in epilepsy to curate new targeted therapies for epilepsy using various approaches like pharmacological, genetic, or dietary interventions.

Scientific Inspiration

Professor Ben Barres – He is a trailblazer in the field of glia research and also a forefront advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in science as an out trans man himself. When he was alive, he was also very kind and passionate about mentoring young people in science.

Research Groups

Chan Lab

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Compassionate, supportive, collaborative.

Provision of Teaching

My approach is to work with you and the project at hand to develop a robust training plan to acquire the needed experimental skills in the lab. I am also passionate about development of ‘soft skills’ in science like project management, teaching and mentoring, and leadership; so I will endeavour to create and provide opportunities to nurture these skills.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I expect you to take ownership of the project and your progression; but will always be on-hand to provide support. We will have weekly 1:1 meeting to provide you private space to raise concerns or discuss issues relating to progress; but also weekly group meeting to foster teamwork.

Communication

To me, maintaining open and working communication stream is key to the success of your PhD. We have our own lab communication platform where we can directly message each other – occasionally, I may reach out to you out of hours but do not expect a reply from you until the next working hour.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per week

These meetings will be mainly face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response every working day.

Working Pattern

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Previous Projects (2024-25)

Primary supervisor for:

The love triangle of immunometabolism: lysine, mTOR signaling, and immune response