Robert K. S. Wong

Robert K. S. Wong is a Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at University of Downstate. His research focuses on the cellular and network properties of the hippocampus, investigating GABA and glutamate-mediated synaptic interactions that govern neuronal network output.

• Institution: University of Downstate
• Department: Physiology and Pharmacology
• Academic Rank: Professor

Key research themes include:

• Hippocampal Oscillations - studying how rhythmic network activity emerges from glutamatergic synapses
• Inhibitory Synapse Regulation - exploring GABA receptor modulation via calcium and phosphorylation
• Neuronal Hyperexcitability - linking synaptic imbalances to epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease
• Network Plasticity - analyzing activity-dependent adaptive changes in brain circuits

Recent publications emphasize Alzheimer's disease mechanisms and epileptogenic network patterns, with collaborative work on tau pathology, Aβ accumulation, and neurotransmitter dynamics.

His laboratory team includes:

• Abraham Chuang (Research Assistant Professor)
• Steve Young (Research Instructor)
• Wangfa Zhao (Research Assistant Professor)

Professional service involves:

• Peer review for major neuroscience journals
• Membership in 3 NIH Study Sections