Dr. Hee Chung

Biography

Hee Jung Chung is a Professor in the Molecular Integrative Physiology department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as the Associate Director of the Neuroscience Program. Dr. Chung's research focuses on brain plasticity, neural excitability, and the mechanisms underlying epilepsy, particularly through the lens of ion channel function. Her lab explores how genetic mutations affecting ion channels can lead to inherited forms of epilepsy, and how disruptions in channel distribution can contribute to acquired forms. One of her notable research areas includes studying the KCNQ/Kv7 potassium channels, which are critical for preventing excessive neuronal firing. Dr. Chung has published extensively on the role of these channels in epilepsy and has made significant contributions to the understanding of axonal localization and trafficking of ion channels. Her work also delves into homeostatic plasticity in neurons, aiming to understand how intrinsic membrane properties can stabilize network excitability and how these adaptations are disrupted in pathological conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Outside of her primary research interests, she is committed to mentoring and teaching, having received several awards for excellence in teaching.

Research Interests

Awards