GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College Associate Professor of Neuroscience Neil C. Lax, Ph.D. was recently awarded tenure.
Lax has been with Thiel College since 2018. He was named chair of the Department of Neuroscience in 2020.
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from The University of Pittsburgh (2012), he received his doctoral degree from Duquesne University (2018), where he specialized in animal behavior, drug discovery, and neuroanatomy relating to pain, depression, and anxiety.
Lax teaches a variety of neuroscience courses including Brain and Behavior, Introduction to Neuroscience, Techniques in Neuroscience, Advanced Neuroscience, and Neuroanatomy. Thiel College recognized Lax with the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award (2021). He has written or co-written nine different research and teaching articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Lax also serves as president of Thiel’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. In addition to advising neuroscience students, he is also the academic advisor to Health Systems majors and students in the Pathway 1 Physician Assistant Studies program at Thiel College. He also helped organize and lead or co-lead study abroad trips to Greece (2019), Italy (2022), Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam (2023), and Egypt (2024).
Lax lives in Cortland, Ohio with his husband, Ryan, and their two dogs, Reba and Charlie.
Pictured above: Professor of Neuroscience and Department of Neuroscience chair Neil Lax, Ph.D. on a Thiel College study abroad trip to the Egypt.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.