Current
Guoyan Zhao, PhD
Principal Investigator
- Email: gzhao@wustl.edu
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Washington University in St. Louis, USA
M.S. Peking University, P.R. China
B.S. Peking University, P.R. China
Kevin Boyer, B.S.
Bioinformatics Research Analyst
- Email: kevin.boyer@wustl.edu
B.S. in Psychology, DePaul University Chicago, Illinois
Current work: single-cell multiomic analysis of human DRG to identify cells, genes, and pathways involved in chronic pain
I have a passion for data and analysis, and getting the opportunity to apply this passion in Dr. Zhao’s lab using cutting edge technologies and developing new pipelines to further the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases as well as transcriptional gene regulatory networks has been an incredible learning experience.
In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my dog (Bruno), playing new board games with friends, and practicing my newest hobby, golf.
Wei Feng, Ph.D.
- Email: fwei@wustl.edu
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ph.D, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
M.S. , Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
B.S. , Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Current work: microglia and neurodegenerative diseases
My current research focuses on utilizing pseudotime analysis to discover the upregulation and downregulation of genes during the activation process of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, thereby identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in these diseases. My early research involved cohort studies and imaging research, where I used various statistical models, machine learning, and deep learning to identify factors influencing the occurrence and progression of diseases. Later, I was fortunate to join Zhao Lab after completing my Ph.D., which allowed me to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying disease development and conduct single-cell sequencing analysis. Throughout my research, I have recognized my own shortcomings in terms of knowledge and skills. However, thanks to this lab-friendly atmosphere and the help and knowledge sharing from everyone, I have chances to improve myself.
Outside of research, I enjoy watching movies, hiking, appreciating the scenery, exploring different cuisines, and staying fit through exercise.
Bijesh George, Ph.D.
- Email: bijesh@wustl.edu
Postdoctoral Research Associate
PhD, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
BS, Kannur University, Kerala, India
Current work: spatial proteomics analysis of human dorsal root ganglia in chronic pain
Tassia Mangetti Goncalves, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Email: tassiam@wustl.edu
Ph.D, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
M.S. University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP
B.S. University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP
Current work: Transcriptional regulation
I am passionate about science and got my undergraduate’s degree in Animal Sciences at University of São Paulo (USP). In my Master’s program study at USP, I learned new skills in molecular biology, systems biology, and statistical analysis to understand molecular mechanisms that control meat quality. During my PhD study at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign I performed gene expression and network analysis to better understand how drug addiction and immune challenge affect gene co-regulation patterns in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression-like behavior, respectively. I joined Dr. Guoyan Zhao’s laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in 2019. In my training under Dr. Zhao supervision, I developed a computational algorithm to identify cis-regulatory modules in the mammalian genome. I am also a member of Med Masters Toastmasters International Club, where I served as the President for 2 years. I really enjoy cooking, gardening, learning how to play guitar, and playing with my dog.
Huma Naz
- Email: naz@wustl.edu
Postdoctoral Research Associate
PhD, The University of the Punjab
MPhil., University of the Punjab
BSc.(Honors), University of the Punjab
Current work: Microglia in aging and rejuvenation
My research interest focuses on the role of microglia in aging and rejuvenation, specifically using single-cell genomic technologies to identify potential markers, pathways, and regulatory factors that contribute to the molecular mechanisms of these processes in neurodegenerative diseases. By utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and computational models, I am investigating the molecular mechanisms that underlie the aging and rejuvenation of microglia. My research has the potential to advance my understanding of the complex interplay between microglia, aging, neurodegeneration, and genetics and could lead to the development of new therapies to improve the health and function of the aging brain.
Ibrahim Olabayode Saliu, Ph.D.
- Email: isaliu@wustl.edu
Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellow
Ph.D, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
M.Tech. Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
B.Tech. Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
Current work: astrocyte and neurodegenerative diseases
I obtained my B.Tech., M.Tech., and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria in 2010, 2015, and 2021, respectively. I was a recipient of the 2016 DBT-TWAS Postgraduate Sandwich Fellowship, and I also won the 2021 DBT-UNESCO-TWAS postdoctoral fellowship award. I am passionate about studying and understanding brain function, especially the crosstalk between the cell types of the brain, and the relationship between the cell types and brain regions in physiological and pathological conditions. I like hanging out with my family and watching movies and soccer in my free time. I am currently the treasurer of the Washington University in St Louis Black Postdoctoral Association, an association that aims to enhance the experience of black postdoctoral fellows by establishing an interdisciplinary community that will serve as a cultivating and supportive environment while providing opportunities for career development and peer-to-peer mentorship. Presently, I am using computational and experimental approaches to gain an in-depth understanding of the role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases with a view to finding possible therapeutic targets.
Shinnosuke Yamada, Ph.D.
- Email: shinsu56@gmail.com
Visiting Researcher
Ph.D. , Nagoya University, Japan
MS, Meijo University, Japan
BS, Meijo University, Japan
Current work: single-nucleus transcriptomic comparison of AD, PD, PDD, and DLB
I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of human diseases in the central nervous system. My research journey began with human gene association studies and proteome analysis of human blood cells from schizophrenia patients. These studies provided several candidate markers for schizophrenia. To understand the impact of genetic mutations in schizophrenia, I performed a comprehensive behavioral analysis of Disc1-mutated mice. In addition, to identify environmental influences and factors in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, I conducted a secretome analysis of astroglia and functional analysis of neuronal development under innate immune activation. I am currently conducting single cell RNA-seq analysis of postmortem brain samples from patients with neurodegenerative diseases, and am very interested in what new discoveries may be brought about by this new technology.
Outside of research, I like to fish, drive, and play with my children.
Benedict Ridore
WashU Undergraduate student
EnTER (Engaging Trainees in Early Research) Program Scholar
Current work: Transcriptional regulation
Alumni
Yoayi Dai
Graduate research assistant
- Email: daiyaoyi@wustl.edu
Bachelor of Engineering
M.S., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
Current position:
PhD candidate, Baylor College of Medicine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Louis Jing Li
Undergraduate research assistant
Current position:
undergraduate student at Brown University
Ben Anthony Lopez
Visiting Researcher
- Email: lopezb@wustl.edu
MD, PhD in Molecular Medicine, University of the Philippines
BS in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines
Project: cross-species single-nucleus transcriptome comparison of striatal neurons
Yiming Shi
Graduate Research Assistant
- Email: yimingshi@wustl.edu
B.S., Fudan University, P.R.China
M.S., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
Current position:
DBBS PhD candidate, Washington University School of Medicine
Yizhe Song
Graduate research assistant
- Email: y.song@wustl.edu
M.S., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
Master of Public Health, Tsinghua University & Peking Union Medical College
B.M. Shandong University, P.R.China
Current position:
DBBS PhD candidate, Washington University School of Medicine
Harry Wang
- Email: tianyiwang5@gmail.com
Undergraduate research assistant
current position: UMSL Undergraduate Student