Members

Xindi Li, MD PhD

Ph.D., Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

Sol Díaz de León Guerrero, PhD

Ph.D., National Autonomous University of Mexico

NJGCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Andrew Boreland, PhD

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

NINDS TTNT T32 postdoctoral fellow

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, PhD

Ph.D., Beijing Normal University

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, PhD

Ph.D., Centre For DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India

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.

Ashley Carley, PhD

Ph.D., Temple University

I am a postdoctoral research associate within the lab of Dr. Zhiping Pang at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey. My research focuses on utilizing the Assay and Data Generation Center for the Model of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Neurons for Neuropsychiatric Disease (ADGC-MiNND) pipeline to facilitate the generation of more than 250 loss-of-function iPSCs-derived neuron models carrying mutations highly linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder. Within these loss-of-function neuron models we are aiming to determine the effects that various genetic mutations have on the structure and function of excitatory and inhibitory neurons through morphometric, genomic, and electrophysiological assessments. My research will aim to advance our understanding of the neurobiological functions of ASD risk genes.

Prarthana gowda, MS

PhD candidate, Molecular Biosciences PhD program

NJGCA Predoctoral Fellowship

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, Ms

Graduate Student, Molecular Bioscience PhD program

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

Anna Saber

B.S. Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh

Hey everyone! I am a Research Assistant 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

Luke Barglow

M.S. Northwestern University

Elizabeth Peker

B.S. Biotechnology, Rutgers University

Michael Yang

Cell Biology and Neuroscience

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.

Rafael