People

We are actively recruiting at all levels, including postdocs, research assistants, rotation graduate students, and undergraduate students. We aim to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and curiosity-driven environment committed to rigorous science and mentorship.

Xuyu Qian, PhD

Principal Investigator

qianx at chop.edu

Xuyu Qian, PhD

Principal Investigator

qianx at chop.edu

About

I’m a developmental neurobiologist who believes the human brain is so unique that we can only understand its development and diseases by studying it directly in its human context. Outside the lab, I enjoy watching anime and playing video games. The anime Evangelion is what first sparked my interest in biomedical science and continues to inspire how I think about the brain.

Jie Zhong

Postdoc

Jie Zhong

Postdoc

About

My training is in neurobiology and cell biology, with a research focus on degenerative diseases. In most cases, it’s difficult to know the exact origin of a degenerative disease, and developmental research might offer an opportunity to answer this question. Away from the lab, I enjoy films and reading, which often provide perspectives that help resolve life’s complexities and confusion, also help me stay focused on research.

Erica Xiong

MD/PhD Student

Erica Xiong

MD/PhD Student

About

I graduated from the University of California San Diego, where I majored in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I’m currently a first-year MD/PhD student in the Neuroscience Graduate Group. My research interests focus on the transcriptomic landscapes underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as how neural–tumor communication influences tumor behavior. Outside of classes and the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, and exploring new restaurants around Philly!

Eleanor Mills

PhD Student

Eleanor Mills

PhD Student

About

I graduated from the University of Michigan, where I double majored in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Environmental Science. I’m now a first-year Ph.D. student in DSRB in the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate group. I am interested in the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that govern neurodevelopment. In my free time, I like hiking, cooking, and exploring Philly!

Meagan Olson

PhD Student

Meagan Olson

PhD Student

About

I’m a Ph.D. student in the Neuroscience program with research interests spanning neuroscience, stem cell biology, and genetics. I graduated from the Univerisity of Massachusetts Amherst with dual degrees in Biology and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. I was also a research associate at UMass Chan Medical School where I studied how HSV-1 infection can lead to hallmarks of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in a cerebral organoid model. Now I am excited to focus on neurodevelopment using cortical organoids. Outside of the lab, I enjoy practicing yoga and hanging out with my cats.

Amelia Stoesser

Lab Technician

Amelia Stoesser

Lab Technician

About

I just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with my BA in Neuroscience. I love working in research related to the brain. During my undergraduate studies I worked on projects focused on Schizophrenia in the context of 22q deletion syndrome. I hope to go to medical school in the future. Outside of work I love dance and volunteering at CHOP. I also enjoy hiking and want to visit all of the US national parks.

Dareen Nossir

Lab Technician

Dareen Nossir

Lab Technician

About

As an avid reader of fairytales and mysteries, my personal adventure has unfolded through studying neuroscience. During my undergraduate research, I worked on several projects including; epigenetics in ant colonies, mitigating epilepsy using neuroprotectants and building bioinformatics to detect health risk factors. As a technician in Dr. Qian’s lab, I co-coordinate the lab and contribute to the wet-bench process of MERFISH. Currently, my focus is examining the genetic influences behind focal cortical dysplasia.

Thomas Roule

Bioinformatician

Thomas Roule

Bioinformatician

About

I am a Staff Scientist providing bioinformatics support to several research groups. My work focuses on the analysis and integration of high-throughput sequencing data, including single-cell, transcriptomic, and epigenomic datasets, to study human brain development and disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy skateboarding, collecting vintage technology, and playing retro video games.

Zuwen Zhong

Bioinformatician

Zuwen Zhong

Bioinformatician

About

I’m a Biotechnology master’s student at the University of Pennsylvania, with a background from Jinan University in China. My interests center on bioinformatics and spatial transcriptomics for understanding the brain. Outside the lab, you’ll usually find me playing badminton, watching animations, reading novels, hunting for good seafood, or watching cat and dog videos.

Mingbai Zeng

MS Student

Mingbai Zeng

MS Student

About

I graduated from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, and I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biotechnology. Beyond academics, I actively engage in sports such as swimming, table tennis, and Taekwondo. I have recently developed a strong interest in cooking, which I find both fulfilling and an effective way to relieve stress. In my leisure time, I enjoy watching movies and anime, and I have a particular appreciation for movie/anime original soundtracks.

Tiana Dai

Research Assistant

Tiana Dai

Research Assistant

About

I recently graduated from UC Davis with degrees in Neurobiology and Applied Mathematics, and am currently taking a gap year to prepare for MD-PhD programs while completing paramedic training. My previous research focused on using spatial transcriptomics to study Canavan disease and spina bifida. I aspire to become a pediatric trauma surgeon dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into improved patient care. Outside of academics, I enjoy figure skating and drawing, and I share my home with four lovely guinea pigs.

Aidan Gor

Undergraduate Student

Aidan Gor

Undergraduate Student

About

I am a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Neuroscience. I am from the Philadelphia suburbs, and I aspire to become a physician-scientist in the field of neuroscience. My passion lies in advocating for individuals with neurodevelopmental and movement disorders, with a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder, through both research and community initiatives. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with family, trying new foods with friends, playing golf, and watching football and baseball (Go Birds and Go Phils!).

Matt Greenspun

Undergraduate Student

Matt Greenspun

Undergraduate Student

About

I’m a freshman at Penn majoring in Bioengineering and minoring in Computational Neuroscience. In high school I spent a lot of time coding, mostly building websites and apps. Currently, I am focused on improving my machine learning skills and applying them to analyze neuroscience data. My hobbies include hiking, camping, and reading. I also built and maintain this website 👨‍💻.

Phoebe (Yanfei) Zhang

Undergraduate Student

Phoebe (Yanfei) Zhang

Undergraduate Student

About

Hi! I’m a freshman at Penn in the Life Science& Management program, studying Biology and Healthcare Management & Policy with a focus on computational biology. I’ve explored a spectrum of topics from AI drug discovery to synthetic cell systems in high school, and now find my interest in brain organoids, which we study at this wonderful lab. Outside of lab, I enjoy bird-watching, acting, collecting specimens, and watching anime.