I am from Hong Kong and obtained my BSc in Biochemistry from Chinese University of Hong Kong. I then obtained my PhD from University of Bristol in the UK, studying specific protein modifications in synapses. I first used the worm as a model organism to study the nervous system when I starter to work as a postdoc at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, where I immediately fell in love with this animal. I am most impressed by this simple organism's capacity to learn, and want to leverage this advantage to uncover the underlying biological principle of learning.

Hey y’all! I’m from Dallas, Texas, and after graduating high school, I moved to Lubbock, Texas, where I attended South Plains Community College. While there, I met many wonderful classmates and mentors who helped me see my full potential and guided me toward the winding path of science. After earning my associate's degree, I transferred to Texas Tech University, where I had the opportunity to work with lifelong scientific mentors, including Dr. Kristin Hutchins, who welcomed me into her research lab. My work focused on crystallography in an organic chemistry setting, where I explored thermal expansion and double-bond molecular peddling motions in organic co-crystals. During my time there, I served as the main author on one paper and co-authored three others.

Just as I was graduating with my bachelor's degree, the pandemic hit. Around that time, a friend who was teaching in a small Texas town called Plains mentioned they were in desperate need of a science teacher. I decided to take the opportunity, and for the next four years, I had the privilege of teaching an incredible group of students in Biology, Environmental Science, and A&P.

I've always had a passion for neuroscience, though for much of my life, it was something I pursued independently by reading textbooks and pop-science literature. Now, I finally have the chance to put that passion into practice. My current interests lie in understanding how neural systems interact to elicit specific behaviors in response to external stimuli and how those systems are modulated by insulin pathways. I aim to investigate specific insulin-binding proteins and develop more robust methods of calcium imaging to better understand the connections between specific neuronal ensembles.

I am from Ekiti State in Nigeria and hold a bachelor's degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology Akure and am a doctoral student in Biology in Prof. Leo Tang's lab. I'm interested in understanding how genetic mutations in C. elegans contribute to learning and memory. Outside of research, I enjoy playing soccer and hanging out with my colleagues to discuss science 😁. I also love cooking Nigerian foods and making jokes about my vocal talents. I'm looking forward to gaining mastery in various methodologies of C. elegans research.

Hello! I am a biological sciences student on the pre-med track. I’m super interested in almost anything in genetics, neuroscience, and molecular and cell bio. In the lab I am investigating the role of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in C. elegans learning. Outside of the academic world I love to ski, mountain bike, and play piano.

Hello! I’m from South Burlington, Vermont, and am currently completing a BS in Biological Sciences with a Chemistry minor. My research involves raising C. elegans with Dr. Tang to investigate gene regulation in salt-sensing neurons and its effects on synapse formation and elimination during learning. Outside of research, I greatly enjoy working out and spending time with friends and family.

Hi everyone, my name is Owen, and I’m one of the undergrad researchers working with Dr. Tang. I’m currently a sophomore studying Biology with a concentration in ecology and evolution, and I plan to apply for medical school in the future. In the lab, I have been working to implement mutations to the Zwei Ig Domain region of C. elegans. Through this, I hope to observe novel changes in insulin binding and in C. elegans development, as I’ve targeted several insulin-binding peptides known to be impactful in neural mechanisms and orientation. I love to read and spend time outdoors —often, I’ll go for long hikes or trail runs when I have the time!

Howdy! My name is Reva and I’m from Austin Texas. I’m currently a student at the University of Vermont completing my BA with a major in biology and a minor in emergency medical services with a hope to pursue a career in medicine. In the lab I’m working under Dr.Tang to investigate the role of phosphorylation in neuron migration. Outside of school I like to run, hike with my pals, and bake!

Hi everyone! I’m from Burlington Massachusetts, and am furthering my studies in the Masters of Medical Science Program. I completed my BS in Neuroscience at UVM and am very interested in the connectivity, functionality, and degeneration of neural pathways and cells. Anything neuroscience related definitely piques my interest! Independent of my academics, I love to ski, be active in anyway possible, spend time with friends and family and explore.

I am from north eastern Connecticut, and in the process of getting my BA in biology with a chemistry minor. I enjoy practically anything about biology especially ecology. When I’m not working on my academics I like to be outside as much as I can, whether that is hiking, skiing, or traveling.