Weihong Lin

Weihong Lin is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying chemical sensory systems, particularly olfactory functions and their modulation in response to environmental challenges such as electronic cigarette exposure. He holds a Ph.D. from Colorado State University and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Colorado State University.

Education:

• Ph.D., Colorado State University, 1999
• Postdoc, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 2003
• Postdoc, Colorado State University, 2000
• M.S., Zhongshan University, 1988
• B.S., Zhongshan University, 1982

Research Interests: Dr. Lin's lab investigates sensory detection mechanisms in the nose, including odor-evoked responses, modulatory networks maintaining olfactory function, and the impact of chemical exposures (e.g., electronic cigarette constituents) on sensory systems. Techniques include transgenic mouse models, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and behavioral assays.

Recent Work Trends: Recent studies emphasize e-cigarette-induced olfactory dysfunction, TRPM5-expressing microvillous cell roles in epithelial homeostasis, and neurotrophin regulation under chemical stress. Research bridges molecular mechanisms with behavioral outcomes in mice.

Teaching: Courses include Neurobiology (BIOL 451/651), Cell Biology (BIOL 303), and specialized topics like Chemical Communication and Brain Disorders (BIOL 490/690).

Labs/Teams: Directs the Weihong Lin Lab, focusing on olfactory neurobiology and environmental health impacts. Collaborates with institutions like Colorado State University and the University of Colorado on sensory systems research.