BYU College of Life Sciences announces the appointment of Dr. Steven Charles (Mechanical Engineering) as the new director of the Neuroscience Center, effective August 2025.
“Steven brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to neuroscience education, combining engineering and neuroscience to elevate student learning and research,” said Dean Bridgewater. “His innovative approach and student-centered mindset make him an ideal leader to guide the center forward.”
Charles is an associate professor of mechanical engineering whose research bridges neuroscience and robotics. His work explores motor control, wrist biomechanics, and noninvasive treatment approaches for tremor disorders. His interdisciplinary focus opens opportunities for neuroscience students to engage in cutting-edge research that bridges technology and human health.
Charles earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from BYU and completed both his master’s and doctorate through the Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. He conducted postdoctoral work at Johns Hopkins University and the Kennedy Krieger Institute before joining BYU’s faculty.
Charles succeeds Dr. Jeffrey Edwards (Cell Biology), who served as director of the Neuroscience Center for several years.
“I want to thank Jeff Edwards for his excellent leadership,” said Dean Bridgewater. “Through his commitment to collaborative research and student mentorship, he has helped the center become a respected model of interdisciplinary education at BYU.”