Thanos Siapas

Thanos Siapas is a Professor of Computation and Neural Systems and Executive Officer for the same department at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), within the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering. He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from MIT (1990–1996). His academic journey at Caltech began in 2002 as an Assistant Professor, advancing to his current rank. His research focuses on network mechanisms of learning and memory, systems neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and neurotechnology. Key areas include hippocampal-neocortical interactions, neural circuit dynamics, and the development of advanced recording and analytical tools like multi-electrode arrays and the DataJoint framework.

Siapas’s work combines experimental approaches—such as two-photon imaging and chronic recordings—with theoretical modeling to study how memories form and consolidate. He pioneers technologies like nanofabricated neural probes and wireless neural amplifiers for studying freely moving animals. His administrative role as Executive Officer reflects leadership in shaping interdisciplinary research and education in computation and neural systems.

Publications highlight his contributions to understanding hippocampal ripples, UP-DOWN states, and dopamine signaling. Collaborations with engineers and neuroscientists underscore his translational focus, bridging basic research with neurotechnological applications. His lab’s innovations aim to decode neural circuit dynamics and advance tools for analyzing large-scale neuroscience data.