Michael Halassa

Dr. Michael Halassa is a Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry at Tufts University. He is a leading researcher in cognitive control and flexibility, focusing on how the brain generates thoughts and action plans based on internal models of the world.

Education and Training

• MD (Doctor of Medicine) – University of Jordan, 2004
• PhD in Neuroscience – University of Pennsylvania, 2009
• Postdoctoral Training – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 2014
• Residency & Fellowship in Psychiatry – Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 2014

Professional Experience

• Professor – Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Tufts University (Current)
• Director of Translational Research – Tufts University School of Medicine (2022 – Present)
• Associate Professor – Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT (2018 – 2022)
• Assistant Professor – NYU Neuroscience Institute (Prior to 2018)

Research Focus

Dr. Halassa’s research explores the neural mechanisms of cognitive flexibility, focusing on the role of the thalamus in task-relevant cortical dynamics. His lab integrates behavioral tasks, neural recordings, and precise manipulations to understand cognitive control processes. His findings have advanced understanding in both neuroscience and psychiatry, particularly in conditions like schizophrenia.

Awards and Recognitions

• Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science (2017) – Recognizing exceptional contributions by immigrants in the U.S.
• Paul Allen Institute Next Generation Leader (2015)
• Daniel X. Freedman Prize for Exceptional Basic Research (2015)
• Sloan Research Fellowship (2015) – Honoring young scientific leaders

Funding and Professional Affiliations

Dr. Halassa’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and prominent organizations including Pew, Klingenstein, Simons, Feldstein, Max Planck, and the Human Frontiers Science Program. He is also a Principal Investigator at the Thalamus Conte Center at Princeton.

Publications and Impact

With over 10,000 citations, Dr. Halassa’s research publications have had a major influence in neuroscience and psychiatric research.

Clinical Expertise

Board-certified in Psychiatry since 2014, he specializes in schizophrenia research and treatment, focusing on pharmacological interventions and cognitive measurement tools for patients.