Dr. Ting-Feng Lin is an Assistant Professor at the Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics department within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University, Netherlands. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of learning and memory formation in the cerebellum, particularly how synaptic and intrinsic plasticity mechanisms coordinate to regulate neuronal signaling and behavior. He employs advanced microscopy, optogenetic, and chemogenetic techniques in transparent zebrafish models to study these processes in vivo, with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. 2025: Assistant Professor, Utrecht University 2019-2025: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Chicago 2015-2019: PhD in Neuroscience, Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) 2010-2014: MS in Physiology, National Taiwan University 2006-2010: BS in Sports Medicine, China Medical University His work investigates how sensory experiences shape cerebellar processing during development, focusing on climbing fiber pathways and their role in sensory prediction errors. His group also studies the interaction between synaptic, intrinsic, and structural plasticity mechanisms in neural circuits, using zebrafish models with genetic modifications (e.g., Grid2 knockout) to model human neurological conditions. Dr. Lin has received scientific recognition including the SfN Trainee Professional Development Award for his work on Purkinje cell plasticity and the JNS Meeting Award for research on parallel fiber ramping activity and LTD. His publications span topics from cerebellar plasticity to voltage-gated K+ channel dynamics, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to neurobiology.
Colin J Akerman is Professor of Neuroscience and Group Leader in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, concurrently serving as Corange Fellow and Medical Tutor at Corpus Christi College. His research investigates fundamental mechanisms of synaptic circuit formation and plasticity, with direct implications for epilepsy, dementia, and schizophrenia through multidisciplinary approaches integrating electrophysiology, optical imaging, and computational modeling. His primary research interests encompass Synaptic Plasticity, Neural Circuit Formation, and Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance, with specific focus on neuronal progenitor influences on connectivity, chloride dynamics in inhibitory transmission, and learning mechanisms in disease contexts. The lab employs custom-built equipment and molecular tools to probe synaptic function across in vivo , in vitro , and in silico platforms, emphasizing how activity-dependent processes shape neural networks during development and disease. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong thematic convergence on intracellular chloride regulation in sleep-wake cycles, cortical circuit assembly from embryonic progenitors, and innovative optical tools for neural monitoring. This work bridges molecular neuroscience with systems-level understanding of synaptic plasticity, particularly regarding ionic mechanisms in epilepsy and sleep homeostasis. No scientific awards or fellowships are explicitly documented in the source materials. Professor Akerman currently mentors four PhD students (Vourvoukelis, Selfe, Wang, Gemayel) and multiple postdoctoral researchers, having previously trained scientists now leading independent groups in Toronto, Edinburgh, Cape Town, Oxford, and London. His research is funded by the European Research Council, Innovative Medicines Initiative, and Wellcome Trust, supporting investigations into synaptic mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. The Akerman Group, established in 2008, operates as an integrative neuroscience hub within Oxford's Pharmacology Department. The 10-member team combines expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics, multiphoton imaging, and computational modeling, with current projects spanning neuronal progenitor biology, inhibitory synaptic plasticity, and learning rule implementation in neural networks. The lab emphasizes technical innovation, regularly developing custom instrumentation and molecular tools for neural observation and manipulation.
Professor Gavan McNally is a distinguished behavioral neuroscientist at the University of New South Wales, where he serves as a Professor in the School of Psychology. He is actively engaged in research on the fundamental behavioral and brain mechanisms for learning and motivation, with applications to clinical conditions such as addictions, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. McNally holds several prestigious editorial positions, including Editor-in-Chief of Neurobiology of Learning & Memory and Senior Editor of The Journal of Neuroscience. He also serves as President-Elect of the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society and is a Member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. McNally's research interests span behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how fundamental brain mechanisms apply to clinical conditions. He employs a systems neuroscience approach, combining well-controlled behavioral approaches with optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping in both normal and transgenic animals. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications through collaborations with colleagues at University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Monash University, and Turning Point. McNally's research particularly examines the cellular, circuit, and systems level mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders like addiction. His laboratory investigates how these mechanisms translate to human conditions, with a strong emphasis on developing new treatments for psychological disorders. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory in understanding punishment learning, addiction mechanisms, and the neural circuits underlying motivated behavior. Recent work has increasingly focused on the cognitive pathways to punishment insensitivity, the role of specific neural circuits in addiction, and translational approaches to understanding maladaptive behaviors. McNally's research bridges animal models with human studies, creating a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms that govern learning and motivation, with particular attention to how these processes go awry in addiction and other psychological disorders. 2008 QEII Fellow, Australian Research Council 2009 Association for Psychological Science, International Rising Star 2010 Fellow, Association for Psychological Science 2010 UNSW Faculty of Science Staff Excellence Award for Research and Training 2011 Pavlovian Research Award, The Pavlovian Society 2012 Future Fellow (Level 3), Australian Research Council 2016 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2017 Fellow, American Psychological Association 2019 Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia 2021 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2022 Ross Day Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Brain and Psychological Sciences 2023 European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Plenary Lecturer 2024 Elspeth McLachlan Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Neuroscience Society 2024 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association Professor McNally actively supervises several students including Bixuan Lin, Si Yin Lui, Hannah Machet, Bart Cooley, Kelly Zhuang, and Alexandra Gregory. His current research is supported by significant funding including an Australian Research Council Discovery Project (2024-2026) on "Risky choices: From cells and circuits to computations and behaviour," another Discovery Project (2025-2028) on "Multimodal mapping of punishment learning," and NHMRC grants including a Synergy Grant on "Linking clinical and basic science discovery to find new treatments for alcohol-use disorder" and an Ideas Grant on "Novel pathways to abstinence from alcohol seeking." These projects reflect his commitment to both fundamental neuroscience and translational applications for treating psychological conditions. His teaching responsibilities include PSYC2081 Learning & Physiological Psychology and PSYC3051 Physiological Psychology. McNally's laboratory employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders. His team works at the intersection of basic neuroscience and clinical applications, with strong collaborations across multiple institutions to translate fundamental findings into potential treatments for addiction and other psychological disorders. The lab has made significant contributions to understanding the role of brain regions like the ventral pallidum, paraventricular thalamus, and nucleus accumbens in addiction, fear learning, and punishment sensitivity.
Jessica J. Walsh, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Neuroscience Center. She leads the Walsh Lab, which focuses on understanding neural circuit mechanisms underlying motivated social behavior using a multi-level approach to elucidate the molecular and circuit mechanisms that govern social interactions and their alterations in disease states. Dr. Walsh earned her B.A. in Neuroscience & Behavior from Columbia University, where she began her research journey volunteering in Dr. Gerald Fischbach's laboratory. During her graduate work, she explored neural circuit mechanisms underlying social stress susceptibility at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai under Dr. Ming-Hu Han. Prior to joining UNC, she completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University with Dr. Robert Malenka, investigating neural circuit mechanisms in genetic mouse models with social deficits. Her research focuses on neural circuit mechanisms underlying motivated behavior, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, and functional/anatomical brain mapping. The Walsh Lab specifically uses genetic mouse models to investigate how genetic mutations and experience lead to circuit adaptations that govern impaired behavior seen in autism spectrum disorders. They combine whole brain optical clearing methods, light sheet microscopy, in vivo imaging, and machine learning based behavioral analysis to elucidate neural adaptations responsible for motivated behavior. Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on neural circuits related to social behavior, with particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorders, serotonin and dopamine signaling, and the neural basis of prosocial behaviors. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature, Nature Neuroscience, PNAS, and Neuropsychopharmacology, with research spanning from molecular mechanisms to circuit-level analyses of behavior. Dr. Walsh mentors several trainees in her lab, including a postdoctoral fellow, multiple graduate students, and numerous undergraduate researchers. Her lab team includes researchers with diverse interests spanning from molecular biology to machine learning applications in neuroscience. The lab actively recruits postdocs and graduate students interested in joining their research on motivated behavior and psychiatric disorders. The Walsh Lab employs a comprehensive research approach including genetic manipulation, whole brain activity mapping, viral tracing, slice physiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry, and machine learning based behavioral classification to gain a nuanced understanding of neural circuits involved in motivated social behavior.
Lief Fenno, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with Dell Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences’ Department of Neurology. He is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction medicine, particularly medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. His research focuses on molecular and viral tools to study neuron circuitry and behavior, with applications in precision medicine for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Fenno earned his MD and PhD from Stanford University and a BA in neurobiology from Harvard University. His research integrates neuroscience, bioengineering, and clinical medicine to develop novel tools for understanding neural circuits. Key interests include optogenetics, chemogenetics, and optical imaging of neuronal activity in awake subjects. The Fenno Lab explores mechanisms of neurological diseases, particularly addiction, and aims to translate findings into clinical treatments. Recent work emphasizes brain-wide mapping of neural circuits, including studies on glutamate neuron subtypes and VTA-lateral habenula interactions. His lab also develops sono-optogenetic technologies and nanotransducers for deep brain stimulation. Fenno’s educational background includes residency in psychiatry and a bioengineering fellowship at Stanford, underscoring his interdisciplinary approach to neuroscientific challenges.
Bo Li is the Robert Lourie Professor of Neuroscience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in the School of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on the neural circuits underlying cognitive function and dysfunction related to anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and autism, with particular emphasis on synaptic mechanisms and rodent behavioral models. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia in 2003. Education: Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of British Columbia (2003) M.Sc., Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (1997) B.Sc., Medicine, Jining Medical College (1992) Li's lab integrates in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, imaging, molecular and genetic techniques, optogenetics, and chemogenetics to probe fear and reward circuits in rodent brains. His work examines how these circuits contribute to adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, with significant implications for understanding mental disorders. Recent publications highlight his exploration of the vitamin B6 pathway in cancer, opioid neuropeptide dynamics in motivation, and area postrema neurons in brain-body interactions. His research also addresses salience assignment through striatal-amygdala circuits and dietary choice regulation via neurotensin neurons in the extended amygdala. Scientific awards include: HFSP Research Grant awards 2015 NARSAD Independent Investigator grant WSBS Teaching Award 2015 Students in his lab include Sara Boyle, Mingzhe Liu, and Danielle van de Lisdonk. His work has been supported by NIH BRAIN Initiative grants and involves collaborations across multiple CSHL laboratories.
Dr. Tanzil M. Arefin is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Associate Director of the Preclinical Imaging Core at the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging and Neurophysiology (CABIN). His research focuses on developing neuroimaging techniques to study brain functions and microstructures in animal models of human disorders, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric illnesses. He holds affiliations with the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and the Neuroscience Ph.D. Program. **Education**: Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Freiburg and University of Strasbourg (2017) M.Sc., Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University and University of Groningen (2012) B.Sc., Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (2007) **Research Interests**: Dr. Arefin's lab employs multimodal MRI methodologies (resting-state fMRI, diffusion MRI, ASL perfusion MRI, MR spectroscopy) alongside optogenetics and chemogenetics to elucidate molecular mechanisms impairing brain plasticity. Current projects include studying cerebellar connectivity's role in non-motor behaviors and developing interventions for alcohol-dependent brains. **Awards**: Magna cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, Erasmus Mundus Fellowships (both Doctoral and Masters). **Grants & Advising**: Not explicitly listed in texts, but lab activities suggest involvement in NIH-funded projects. Advising details are pending explicit student listings. **Lab & Affiliations**: Arefin Lab focuses on translational imaging tools. Affiliated with UR CABIN and URMC's Neuroscience programs. Location: 430 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY.
Cam Ha Tran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on neurovascular unit interactions, particularly how blood flow regulation impacts brain function under health and disease conditions such as stroke and dementia. She employs advanced techniques like two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to study astrocyte-endothelial communication and vascular reactivity. Education: PhD in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences from the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary (Canada); Master of Biomedical Technology and Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta (Canada). Research emphasizes understanding how astrocytes and endothelial cells coordinate to maintain cerebral blood flow, with implications for neurological disorders. Her recent work explores TRPA1 channels in neurovascular coupling, astrocyte dysfunction in Alzheimer’s, and seizure-induced vascular changes. Techniques include in vivo imaging and chemogenetic approaches to dissect cellular mechanisms. Key contributions include uncovering astrocyte roles in functional hyperemia and identifying therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases. Her lab’s findings bridge basic science and clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions.
Donna J. Calu , PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine . Her research focuses on behavioral and systems neuroscience to uncover brain mechanisms underlying addiction vulnerability , reward learning , motivation , and individual differences . She employs optogenetics , chemogenetics , in vivo electrophysiology , and fiber photometry to investigate amygdala, cortical, and striatal circuitry. Education: BS in Biology (University of Maryland, College Park), PhD in Neuroscience (University of Maryland School of Medicine) Postdoctoral Training: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), mentored by Yavin Shaham Her work identifies dopamine signaling and neural pathways (e.g., BLA-insular cortex, BLA-nucleus accumbens) as critical for cue-driven behaviors and resilience to relapse . Recent studies explore CB1R signaling , psychedelic effects on dopamine, and sex differences in addiction models. Scientific Awards include PECASE , NARSAD Young Investigator Award , Outstanding Young Scientist (Maryland Science Center), and Top Junior Investigator (Winter Conference on Brain Research). She serves as Director of the Program in Neuroscience (2023-present) and holds editorial roles in Journal of Neuroscience and Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience .
Karim Oweiss is a Pre-eminent Professor at the University of Florida, with joint appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering), Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Neuroscience (McKnight Brain Institute). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Michigan (2002). His research focuses on neural mechanisms of sensorimotor integration and the development of clinically viable brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) to restore damaged neurological function. His work spans computational neuroscience, neural decoding, optogenetics, and advanced neurotechnology, with a strong emphasis on closed-loop systems and neural plasticity. 2025 : Chemogenetic stimulation of phrenic motor output and diaphragm activity 2024 : Chemogenetic phrenic motoneuron activation enables increased tidal volume 2023 : Compressive sensing of functional connectivity maps from patterned optogenetic stimulation Oweiss has received the NSF Excellence in Neural Engineering Award (2001) and is a Senior Member of the IEEE. He has published extensively on topics including neural decoding, compressive sensing, and multiscale neural interfacing. As editor of Statistical Signal Processing for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (2010), he has contributed significantly to the field's methodological foundations. His lab develops tools like NeuroQuest for large-scale neural data analysis and implantable neuroprocessors for wireless BMI applications.
Minoru Koyama is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). His research focuses on understanding the neural circuit mechanisms underlying behavioral development, particularly in zebrafish models. He employs advanced techniques such as optogenetics, voltage imaging, and CRISPR-based methods to study circuit maturation in the hindbrain and spinal cord. Education: Koyama holds a Ph.D. (2006), M.Sc. (2002), and B.Sc. (2000) in Biological Sciences from the University of Tokyo. Research Interests: His work investigates how neural circuits mature post-birth and contribute to complex behaviors, with applications to developmental brain disorders. His lab uses zebrafish as a model system, combining optics, genetics, and machine learning for behavioral analysis. Key projects include studying motor coordination development and refining imaging techniques like multi-plane microscopy and voltage indicators. Publications Highlight: Koyama’s recent work includes innovations in microscopy (e.g., HiLo speckle illumination) and genetic tools (e.g., TEMPO lineage tracing). These advancements enable precise observation of neural circuits and cellular dynamics. Lab & Recruitment: The Koyama Lab actively recruits graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. No specific grants are detailed, but his work reflects broad interdisciplinary collaborations in neuroscience and biotechnology. Labs/Teams: His lab focuses on developmental neurobiology, leveraging cutting-edge imaging and genetic engineering to explore neural circuit function across vertebrate development.
Rosemary C. Bagot is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neurogenomics (Tier II) at McGill University's Department of Psychology. Her research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying stress susceptibility and resilience in depression using multidisciplinary approaches. She employs techniques such as optogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and next-generation sequencing in rodent models to dissect brain circuit dysfunction. Her work integrates behavioral neuroscience with genomics to identify molecular and circuit-level markers of depression vulnerability. Key contributions include uncovering predictive signatures of stress susceptibility in the nucleus accumbens and delineating gene networks mediating resilience. The Bagot Lab at McGill combines electrophysiology, chemogenetics, and advanced imaging to advance translational insights into mood disorders. Awards: Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II (Behavioural Neurogenomics) Labs: Bagot Lab (McGill University) Research Themes: Brain plasticity, epigenetic programming, antidepressant mechanisms Dr. Bagot's research bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications, emphasizing the development of biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for depression.
Kyle S. Smith is an Associate Professor at Dartmouth College specializing in neural mechanisms of reward, motivation, and habit formation. His research examines how brain circuits generate goal-directed actions and how these processes malfunction in addiction, Parkinson's disease, and OCD. Education includes a BA from Indiana University, MS/PhD from University of Michigan, and postdoctoral training at MIT. Research employs electrophysiology, optogenetics, and chemogenetics to map neural dynamics during behavior. Current investigations focus on: 1) Neural representations of pleasure/motivation, 2) Motivation-action interactions, 3) Compulsive behavior origins, and 4) Interventions for reward-seeking disorders. Recent publications investigate sex differences in motivational learning, acetylcholine modulation in nucleus accumbens, and striatal control of exploratory behavior.
David M. Smith is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on neural systems underlying learning and memory in rodents, employing techniques like neuronal recording, optogenetics, and chemogenetics. He directs the Laboratory of Neurobiology of Memory and Learning, investigating how brain regions contribute to memory formation and retrieval. Academic interests include Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Cognitive Neuroscience. He teaches courses such as PSYCH 4230/6230 on hippocampal function and navigation, and supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects. Notable contributions include studies on retrosplenial cortex roles in spatial navigation and olfactory memory mechanisms. His work integrates experimental and computational approaches, as seen in collaborations leveraging machine learning for clinical prediction (e.g., post-surgical complications). Despite no explicitly listed awards, his research has been highlighted in Cornell’s ‘New Frontier Grants’ initiative for innovative interdisciplinary efforts.
Hiroshi Nishiyama is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on synaptic plasticity and circuit reorganization in the mammalian cerebellum, with implications for learning, memory, and brain injury recovery. Education: B.S., Kyoto University (1992–1996) M.S., Kyoto University (1996–1998) Ph.D., Kyoto University & RIKEN Brain Science Institute (1998–2002) Postdoctoral Research, Johns Hopkins University (2002–2008) His work explores how cerebellar circuits are refined during development, reorganized in adulthood through learning, and rewired after injury. Techniques include electrophysiology , optogenetics , and long-term in vivo imaging of synaptic dynamics. Recent publications highlight mechanisms of Purkinje cell ablation , lesion-induced axonal sprouting , and dendritic translocation in synaptic competition. These studies span developmental neuroscience , neurotrauma , and neurodegenerative models . The Nishiyama Lab investigates cerebellar circuits as critical nodes in brain-wide functional architecture, bridging motor control and broader neurological disorders.
