Passion for Science and Photos: Neuroscience Professor Scott Chandler goes beyond the science and inspires students with photography

Scott Chandler, professor of neuroscience and chair of the neuroscience program at UCLA, was the center of attention. He was candid and frank in his interview, answering questions with an air of comfort, speaking of his interests while appearing totally at ease. His passions were apparent: teaching; his research, family and hobbies.

Chandler graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Neurobiology. He initially intended to apply for medical school. In doing so, he admitted to have played what he referred to as “the medical school game” but remarked, “A couple of things happened that changed my life.” Through a connection with his then-girlfriend, he worked as a volunteer in a neurosurgery department during summers; he would put on the gown, scrub up and actually witness live surgery. At the same time, during the school year, he worked as a researcher, investigating sleep patterns. Chandler recalled being deeply fascinated by neurosurgery, and he forged many connections during his time in the field. However, he realized that it was not the field for him; simultaneously, he fell in love with science. “I learned that I really enjoyed the process of science. I really liked the faculty lifestyle; I liked the interaction that the professor had with [us] students; I liked being in the lab thinking about problems—and when you think you have one solved, another comes up. Things were constantly bombarding my brain. It was exciting, really…Click Here to Continue Reading.