Zhang Xiaomin

Zhang Xiaomin is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich. Her research focuses on understanding the cellular and circuitry mechanisms underlying episodic memory consolidation in the hippocampus, with particular relevance to early-onset Alzheimer's disease. She employs advanced in vivo electrophysiological recordings and optical tools to investigate single-neuron dynamics, neuronal population coding properties, and the role of neuromodulation during spatial memory consolidation.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine from China
• Master's degree in Neuroscience from China
• Ph.D. from University of Heidelberg, Germany under Prof. Andreas Draguhn
• Postdoctoral fellowship at Institute of Science and Technology, Austria under Prof. Peter Jonas

Dr. Zhang's research primarily investigates how episodic memories, which initially are fragile, become consolidated for long-term retention. She has established in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques in head-fixed behaving animals to study memory consolidation mechanisms. Her work bridges cellular neuroscience with cognitive function, focusing on how disruptions in these processes contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathology. The laboratory employs cutting-edge methodologies including advanced electrophysiology, optical tools, and computational approaches to understand neural coding during memory formation.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong focus on hippocampal function, particularly dentate gyrus circuitry and granule cell dynamics. Her research trajectory shows progression from basic cellular mechanisms to more complex network-level questions, with increasing emphasis on computational approaches and disease models. The publications demonstrate expertise in both experimental neuroscience and computational analysis, with significant contributions to understanding how neural circuits process spatial information and consolidate memories.

Her scientific achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards:

• SNSF Prima Fellowship
• Synapsis Foundation Career Development Award

Dr. Zhang leads the Laboratory of Memory Consolidation at the University of Zurich, where she mentors a diverse research team including multiple PhD students and research assistants. Her group continues to investigate the neuronal mechanisms underlying impaired episodic memory formation, with the ultimate goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. The laboratory maintains active collaborations with other neuroscience research groups at the Brain Research Institute and beyond.