Xinzhu Yu

Xinzhu Yu is an Assistant Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and the Beckman Institute. His research focuses on astrocyte contributions to neural circuits, behaviors, and neurological disorders, using advanced techniques like in vivo imaging and genetic tools.

**Education**: B.S., M.S. (Tsinghua University), Ph.D. (University of California Santa Cruz), Postdocs at UC Santa Cruz and UCLA.

**Research Interests**: Astrocyte physiology, synaptic plasticity, motor learning, neuropsychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. His lab explores how astrocytes influence neural circuits and behaviors, aiming to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diseases like Alzheimer's and Fragile X Syndrome.

**Awards**: NIH BRAIN Initiative Travel Award (2019), UCLA Brain Research Institute Postdoctoral Award (2018–2019), American Heart Association Fellowship (2016–2017).

**Grants & Labs**: Leads the Yu Lab, collaborating on projects funded by NIH and other agencies. Research integrates molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience approaches.