Overview of Research
Understanding how dopamine (DA) neurons die in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and why substantia nigra compacta dopamine neurons are specifically susceptible in hope of developing new therapeutic targets
Dr. Hui (Iris) Zhang Lab
Post-Doctoral Candidates and Scientists 
Postdoctoral Fellow
Shiquan Cui earned his M.D. degree from Henan University of Chinese Medicine.
Research Focus
- His current research focuses on mechanism of mitochondrial trafficking deficits in Parkinson’s disease using LRRK2 mouse models.
Huaixing Wang
Postdoctoral Fellow
With over 28 years of research experience specializing in neurotransmission and patch-clamp electrophysiology, Huaixing’s work is centered on understanding the synaptic and circuit dysfunctions associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Research Focus
- His research delves into the mechanisms underlying these disruptions, focusing on the roles of specific ion channels and receptors. By exploring these molecular and cellular processes, he aims to uncover novel insights into the pathophysiology of PD and identify potential therapeutic targets to address the disease’s debilitating effects on neural communication.
Graduate Students
Graduate Assistant
Research Focus
- With a background in immunology, Subhan’s current research focuses on immunology-driven mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis, aiming to uncover how immune responses contribute to PD progression and explore potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate neuronal vulnerability and degeneration.
Staff
Associate Research Scientist
- Dr. Chen joined the lab in Oct 2023, bringing extensive expertise in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of neurological disorders including vascular dementia. His current research focuses on unraveling the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) utilizing state-of-the-art tools like in vivo and in vitro two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM), optogenetics, and spatial transcriptomics analysis. His ultimate goal is to develop novel metabolic immunotherapy strategies to combat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Undergraduate Students
- Caroline Christie
- Matthew Denius
- Yashmith Kondaveeti
- Elise Parnell
- Aidan Pierce
- Benjamin Starks
- Juan (Alex) Subiry
- Grace Tran
- Joshua Walker