Members

Xindi Li

Sol Díaz de León Guerrero

Andrew Boreland

Ph.D., Rutgers University; B.A Genetics, Rutgers University

The human brain, and the consciousness it gives rise to, enables robust sensation and interpretation of the universe. Being the inquisitive species that we are, our yearning for truth has put us at the door of an era where we can now take the next step in finding out not only who we are, but more importantly, how we are. How is it that we can exist and perceive this world? The human brain is arguably the most complicated astoundingly beautiful phenomenon to ever exist. It is my devotion to uncover the truth of the brain, to understand its development and dysfunction, and to ultimately redefine the therapeutic space for those afflicted by brain injury and other neuropathology.

Junlong Li

Hello, my name is Junlong Li. I have a profound interest in exploring the relationship between human emotions and the natural and social environments.  Utilizing mice and rats as my primary experimental subjects, I aim to decipher the underlying mechanisms from both psychological and neurobiological perspectives.

Swathi Chodisetty

I am a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Pang’s Lab at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey. My research focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly schizophrenia, with an emphasis on the role of histone-modifying complexes such as SETD1A. My background in cell and molecular biology, epigenetics, and advanced imaging techniques equips me to explore how genetic and epigenetic factors influence neuronal development and function. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for complex neuropsychiatric conditions.

Andrea Guerrero

Hello! I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Pang lab. I received my B.A. in Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. I later went on to join the laboratory of Dr. Gina Turrigiano at Brandeis University where I received my PhD in Neuroscience. My graduate research focused on how phosphorylation of Shank3 regulates a form of homeostatic plasticity called synaptic scaling. Through this research, I interrogated protein interactions and targeted specific molecular pathways. However, all my research had previously been conducted in the primary rat culture model. My current research focuses on the effects of Shank2 and Shank3 loss of function on neuronal function using induced human neurons. I aim to utilize the plethora of scientific tools available in the Pang lab to elucidate upon specific molecular mechanisms disrupted in this human neuronal model of Shank deficiency. This can ultimately aid in developing therapeutics for autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing squash and tennis, discovering scenic hiking spots, and playing with my cat Frankie.

Prarthana gowda

Graduate Student, Molecular Biosciences PhD program

I’m a PhD student. My previous research focused on using stem cell technology and biomaterial science to develop a cellularized nerve graft to effectively treat peripheral nerve injuries. I’m excited to start my training with the Pang lab to study psychiatric disorders at the molecular and neurobiological levels using loss-of-function genetic variants.

Jiao Chen

Cathryn MacGregor

Graduate Student, Neuroscience PhD program

I am a graduate student in the Neuroscience PhD program at Rutgers. I received my B.A. in Neuroscience from Wheaton College (MA). I am largely interested in the role of neuromodulation in shifting brain states to bias incoming information. Prior to joining the Pang lab, I worked researching cortical inhibitory circuits known to be involved in sensory perception and learning. My current project investigates the role of peptide signaling on synaptic transmission and signal transduction. In my free time, I enjoy both participating in and watching sports, traveling, and any kind of new adventure

bryanna Vilnaigre

Graduate Student

Tsogt-Itgel (Tim) Munkhbat

Graduate Student

Anna Saber

B.S. Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh

Hey everyone! I am a Visiting Researcher in the Pang Lab with a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. I am interested in the mechanisms underlying synaptic regulation and how their disruption can lead to the development of neurological disorders. My previous research during undergrad investigated the beneficial effect of enhancing presynaptic neurotransmission on motor nerve terminals in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS. Currently in the Pang Lab, I am working on a project centered around creating a genetically encoded sensor for GLP-1 to better understand neuropeptide release, modulation, and signaling dynamics, with the aim of identifying new intervention points in metabolic disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, reading, and hiking!

Pax Zissler

B.S. Integrative Neuroscience, SUNY Binghamton University

Hi! I’m Pax, my interests center around the molecular and synaptic dynamics underpinning neuropathologies. Currently, my work in the Pang Lab is centered around working with human stem cells to investigate the molecular and neurobiological underpinnings of developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Outside the lab I enjoy working in my garden, fibercrafts, and hiking!

Shreeya Govande

Hi! I’m an undergrad majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. I have a special interest in learning electrophysiological analysis and exploring various fields and techniques in neuroscience. In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time in nature.

Erin Park

Hi everyone, I’m Erin! I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in biological sciences with a minor in cognitive science at the Rutgers University Honors College. In the lab, I wish to learn more about the underlying mechanisms involved in appetite regulation and obesity. During my free time, I like to listen to music, bake, and volunteer as an EMT.

Michael Yang

Tanya Soumine

Hi everyone! I’m an undergrad majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience within the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. In the lab, I’m excited to help work on behavioral analysis and learn more about the mechanisms behind appetite control and neurological disorders. During my free time, I like to listen to music and read.

Rohan Rao

Elizabeth