Steve Chang’s primary research goal is to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying social interaction and to inform how such mechanisms may be affected in conditions marked by challenges with social interactions.

Chang’s laboratory applies multi-channel electrophysiological recordings from multiple brain regions to understand neural codes, computations and network-level processes underlying social cognition. Additionally, his lab also applies either systemic or region-specific pharmacological manipulations to study neuromodulatory functions that are central to social behaviors. Taking a multi-pronged approach, Chang overall aims to provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying complex social cognition and, in the long run, improve the understanding of atypical social behaviors found in conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.