Abstract: My scientific interests span a broad range of topics, including learning and memory, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease research, and the development of cutting-edge molecular tools to support neural circuit studies.  In this talk, I will tell you about our work related to recently discovered aspects of hippocampal circuit organization, and relevant neural circuit mapping in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal models.  I also will present our work of single-cell genomics and epigenomics analysis of AD pathogenesis in mouse models and human tissues.  The newly developed technological and conceptual advances present new opportunities for advancing neural circuit studies and represent a new direction for circuit-based AD research.

 

Research Statement: I have applied my strong background in biology, engineering, and medicine to neuroscience research. My scientific interests span a broad range of topics, including evaluation of functional connectivity in the mammalian forebrain in the development of binocular vision and higher cognitive function; the effects of aging, Alzheimer’s disease and stress on circuit functioning; and the development of cutting-edge molecular tools to support neural circuit mapping studies.  My lab achievements are reflected by our publications in high impact journals, and I have been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards as an independent investigator. I have substantial national and international recognition by the neuroscience community as shown by invitations to present our research findings at important national and international institutions. I was appointed as a standing member of the NIH study section of PMDA (Pathophysiological Basis of Mental Disorders and Addictions). I am an Inaugural Samueli Scholar (2021) recognized by the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute for our contributions to the field of integrative health.  I was awarded the title of Chancellor’s Fellow (2020-2023) and recently awarded the distinguished title of Chancellor’s Professor in December 2023.  “This title is used to recognize scholars who have demonstrated unusual academic merit and whose continued promise for scholarly achievement makes them of exceptional value to the university.”