Ali D. Güler

Ali D. Güler is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia, leading the Güler Lab. His research focuses on neural circuits regulating feeding behavior and sleep, particularly how modern societal factors like food availability disrupt these processes. He holds a B.A. from Bowdoin College (1999), a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2006), and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University (2006–2008) and the University of Washington (2008–2013).

Research interests include:

• Neural pathways linking reward centers and circadian clocks
• Metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes
• Pharmacological mechanisms of weight-loss drugs
• Alzheimer’s disease and circadian rhythm disruption

Recent work highlights discoveries like the GLP-1 satiety circuit and dopamine’s role in hedonic feeding. His lab uses advanced tools such as optogenetics and real-time neurophysiology in mouse models.

Advising and training include mentoring over 30 graduate and undergraduate students. Current projects explore circadian therapy for neurodegenerative diseases and molecular mechanisms of food anticipation. The lab is located in Gilmer Hall, Room 414.