Dennis Choi is a co-discoverer of the physiological mechanism of action of benzodiazepine drugs, a class of drugs used to treat conditions such as seizures, anxiety, and muscle spasms. He is also a pioneer in dissecting processes responsible for pathological neurodegeneration. He holds seven patents for innovative neurological research, and has served as an advisor to the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Institute of Medicine, and National Academy of Sciences.