Josh Huang

Josh Huang is a Professor of Neurobiology, Cell Biology, and Biomedical Engineering at Duke University School of Medicine, where he leads the Huang Lab. His research focuses on the development and function of cortical circuits underlying motor control and cognitive processing, integrating genetic engineering, single-cell genomics, and behavioral neuroscience to address neuropsychiatric disorders.

• Education: PhD in Neuroscience, Brandeis University (1995)

Research Areas: Huang’s work spans three synergistic domains: (1) cell type genetic tools (e.g., CellREADR for RNA-programmable cell targeting), (2) molecular genetic programs defining neuronal specification, and (3) cell type basis of motor-cognitive circuits. His team employs multi-omics, optogenetics, and naturalistic behavior paradigms to decode cortical architecture.

Publications highlight trends in RNA-based neurotechnology, glutamatergic/projection neuron subnetworks, and GABAergic interneuron mapping. Notable contributions include the BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network (BICCN) and CellREADR innovations.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2022)
  • NIH Director’s Pioneer High-Risk High-Reward Award

Grants from NIMH, NIH BRAIN Initiative, and collaborative programs support his multidisciplinary investigations. The lab trains PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in neuroscience and biomedical engineering.