Research Interest: Neurobiology

PHD PROGRAM
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

RESEARCH INTEREST
Aging/Alzheimer's, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Brain Development, Developmental Disorders, Human Subjects Research, Medical Imaging, Neurobiology, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Dr. Pew-Thian Yap is a Professor of the Department of Radiology and the Director of the Image Analysis Core of the Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He leads a wide range of research spanning image acquisition, reconstruction, quality control, harmonization, processing, and analysis with applications in neuroscience, disease diagnosis, and surgical planning.

PHD PROGRAM
Neuroscience

RESEARCH INTEREST
Human Subjects Research, Neurobiology

The Brain-Spine-Machine Interfaces Lab directed by Dr. Amol Yadav works at the interface of Neuroscience and Engineering. The lab’s goal is to develop neural engineering-based therapies to treat neurological disorders and understand how disorders and injuries impact the brain-spine network and its role in sensorimotor control. The lab specializes in spinal cord stimulation, high-density neural recording, computational modeling, behavioral experimentation in rodents, and human pilot studies with invasive neural interface technologies.

PHD PROGRAM
Genetics & Molecular Biology, Pharmacology

RESEARCH INTEREST
Biophysics, Cell Biology, Gene Therapy, Molecular Medicine, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Virology

My research is focuses on two general areas: 1) Molecular principles of auditory information processing, and 2) Gene Therapy approaches to treat neurological disorders. In regard to our auditory focus, we seek to understand how the molecular machinery in auditory brainstem synapses enables neuronal computations at some of the fastest speeds in the central nervous system to enable the ability to identify and interpret sound information received by the ears. In regard to our gene therapy approaches, we seek to develop novel viral vector technology to create novel therapeutic strategies to treat neuronal dysfunction and degeneration to improve the quality of life of individuals who suffer from neurological diseases. To address these research areas, I employ a multi-disciplinary strategy that encompasses, molecular biology, virology, viral vectors, biophysics, light microscopy, electron microscopy, electrophysiology, and transgenic mouse models.

Keywords: Gene therapy, synaptic transmission, Hearing, viral vectors, biophysics, ion channels, calcium signaling, neurodegeneration, molecular medicine, synaptic plasticity, molecular engineering, nanomedicine

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Computational Biology, Neurobiology, Systems Biology

“I am interested in pursuing research in the field of computational neuroscience, specifically investigating the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation. My focus lies in using computational models to understand how neural circuits process information and adapt to changing environments, with the ultimate goal of uncovering fundamental principles of brain function.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cardiovascular Biology, Immunology, Neurobiology, Stem Cells

“I am fascinated by the field of stem cell biology. The great potential and ground-breaking findings it presents motivate me to further investigate the mechanisms of how stem cells communicate with their environment and how they integrate signals to differentiate.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Genetics, Genomics, Neurobiology

“I am interested in studying chromatin architecture and the role that it plays on gene regulation in the context of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, I would like to generate an impact with my research by applying my findings to the area of therapeutics.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Immunology, Neurobiology, Translational Medicine

“I’m interested in a variety of research topics pertaining to neurodegeneration. In particular I desire to expand our understanding of environmental factors that influence the onset of age related dementias. I’m fascinated by asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, particularly what neuroprotective factors maintain cognitive function in these individuals with full plaque and tau pathology. Furthermore, I’m intrigued by lipids, fungi, and mental illness and their roles in neurodegeneration.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Signaling, Neurobiology, Neuropsychopharmacology, Pharmacology

“I am interested in elucidating neural mechanisms of newly-appointed therapeutics such as psychedelics or cannabinoids as well as understanding the mechanisms and function of synaptic plasticity in relation to these drugs. Research questions I am interested in include:

– “In what ways does the mechanism of neuroplasticity promoted by MDMA differ from that produced by other psychedelics (e.g.: psilocybin) and/or “non-therapeutic” drugs (e.g.: cocaine)?”

– “What are the long-term neural effects of regular psychedelic therapy (e.g. Ketamine infusions)?”

-“Do/how do minor cannabinoids and other phytochemicals such as terpenes interact with D-9-THC or each other at the neurological level to exert therapeutic effects?” “

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Drug Discovery, Neurobiology, Pharmacology

“I am extremely motivated to explore mechanisms of addiction and the neurobiology of polysubstance use. I aim to eventually develop novel pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders, with a particular interest in treating opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. My broader research interests lie not only within neuroscience but also in the areas of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.”

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Behavior, Cell Biology, Neurobiology

“I am interested in neuroscience research that delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, addiction, and neurodevelopmental disorders. I am particularly interested in how stressors affect the progression of these mechanisms.”