Dong Wang

Dong Wang, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. His research focuses on neural circuit mechanisms underlying learning, memory consolidation, and emotional processing. Using multidisciplinary approaches including in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, and calcium imaging, Dr. Wang investigates hippocampal-prefrontal interactions and amygdala circuitry related to fear/anxiety. His work aims to develop therapies for memory disorders and pathological anxiety.

Education includes a PhD from East China Normal University with research at Boston University and Augusta University (2007-2011), and a Bachelor's degree from East China Normal University (2000-2004).

Research interests center on neural ensemble dynamics during memory consolidation, fear/anxiety circuitry in the amygdala, hippocampal-prefrontal communication, sleep neurobiology, and dopamine-mediated motivational processes. Current projects examine retrosplenial-hippocampal coordination during sleep and basolateral amygdala encoding of emotional states.

Publication analysis reveals strong focus on hippocampal ripple dynamics (37%), amygdala function (24%), dopaminergic regulation (19%), and prefrontal-thalamic interactions (20%). Recent work demonstrates increasing use of calcium imaging and circuit manipulation techniques to study memory consolidation mechanisms.

Awards include multiple NIH Fellows Awards for Research Excellence (2013-2014), travel grants, and mentoring recognition. Current funding includes NIH R01 MH119102 (2019-2023) and Pennsylvania CURE grants.

Dr. Wang leads a neurophysiology laboratory employing electrophysiology, optogenetics, and viral tracing techniques. The team includes one postdoctoral fellow and three PhD students investigating neural circuit dynamics. Current projects focus on memory consolidation circuits and fear/anxiety neurobiology.