Alex Kwan is a Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. He is broadly interested in the neurobiology of drugs for treating mental illnesses. His research has revealed how ketamine and psychedelics act in the brain to enhance neural plasticity. His lab is committed to open science by sharing data and code from its recent studies. Originally from Hong Kong, Alex received a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics from Simon Fraser University and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University. Outside of the lab, Alex enjoys drinking a good cup of espresso and rock climbing with his kids.
View Alex’s CV.
To read Alex’s op-ed articles:
- The Transmitter (2025): How basic neuroscience has paved the path to new drugs
To learn more about Alex and his research:
- Cornell Engineering (2022): Faculty spotlight
- Allen Institute (2025): Scientists use Open Ephys GUI to study how psychedelics affect the brain
- NPR (2022): Psychedelic drugs may launch new era in psychiatric treatment