Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Hi, I’m a postdoctoral fellow studying how neurons die in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). My current work focuses on identifying vulnerable neurons in human postmortem brain tissue by integrating spatial proteomics. I aim to capture and analyze neurons to uncover molecular signatures that map the trajectory of structural and functional decline. Ultimately, my goal is to distinguish between protective and harmful molecular events better to understand the early mechanisms of neurodegeneration in AD.
I hold a Ph.D. in Nanotechnology/Chemical Engineering, where I investigated transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in immune cells in response to novel molecular cues. My research involved developing custom tools to explore overlooked signaling pathways, particularly the role of small, volatile molecules in immune cell communication. I applied CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, bioinformatics, and lipid-based delivery systems to explore how these molecules influence inflammation. I also have a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a focus on organic synthesis and molecular diagnostics. During this time, I developed fluorescently labeled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes for detecting long non-coding RNAs in cancerous tissue, designed to enhance fluorescence-guided surgery for improved tumor resection.

Research Technician

I graduated UCLA in December 2023 with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychological Biology. During my undergraduate career as part of the Poe Lab, I investigated sleep dysregulation-driven behavioral effects of opioid withdrawal on learning and memory. After graduating, I worked in the Cannon Lab and looked at pharmacological and genetic interventions for Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis. I joined the Zwang Lab in August 2024 because I was interested in studying Alzheimer’s-driven learning impairments and gaining an insight into electrophysiological techniques for studying brain circuitry. My overall interests lie in using histological, electrophysiological, and behavioral techniques to study learning and memory pathways and their associated dysregulations in animal models. In the future, I’m planning to attend graduate school for a PhD in Neuroscience and continue conducting research as a university professor. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to museums (especially modern art ones), reading books, and playing video games (although, I barely get any time to do that this year). I recently became interested in the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, so ask me about my favorite painting of his!

Research Technician

Hi, I'm Haoyang Zhu. I completed my undergraduate studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Berkeley, and I’m currently working as a research technician in the Zwang lab. My research focuses on deciphering the morphological and molecular changes in dying neurons, which can be predicted through inspecting the alterations in their local microstructures, such as an enlarged three-nearest-neighbor distance.
Outside the lab, I enjoy going to the gym, watching movies, and playing frisbee. Lately, I’ve been eager to improve my cooking skills—though I still have a long way to go!

Research Technician

I joined the Zwang Lab in January 2025 as an undergraduate researcher during a co-op from Northeastern University, where I graduated in April 2026 with degrees in Behavioral Neuroscience and Data Science. During my co-op, I gained experience in tissue clearing and contributed to a project using injectable mesh electronics to longitudinally track neuronal activity in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. I am now building on this work, integrating electrophysiology and neural circuit analysis to investigate how coordinated neuronal activity becomes disrupted during disease progression and how therapeutic interventions shape circuit recovery. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, traveling, and going to concerts.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a sophomore at Tufts University double majoring in Cognitive and Brain Science and Computer Science. I joined the Zwang Lab in January 2026, where I supported electrophysiology research in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease. I am currently working on designing and implementing a virtual reality spatial navigation task to test whether anticipatory neural responses observed in mice can be replicated in human participants.
I am most excited about drawing on the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and human-centred design to create accessible solutions. Outside the lab, I love all kinds of movement, trying out new recipes, and watercolour painting!

Research Co-op Student

I am a fourth-year undergraduate at Northeastern University majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. I took courses focused on biological research, Alzheimer’s disease, and the neurobiological, cellular, and molecular processes affecting cognition and aging. These experiences, as well as my first co-op as a clinical laboratory technician at Tufts Medical Center, led me to join the Zwang Lab in June 2026. I will be supporting spatial proteomics research in human postmortem brain tissue and gaining technical research experience. I am really looking forward to acquiring a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, thrifting, reading, and spending time with friends and family.