Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University

Introducing Jingyu Zhang (‘26), a 2024 NeURO fellow!

Jingyu is majoring in chemistry while also studying computer science and spanish. This summer, Jingyu will be working in the Greicius lab to explore next-generation genome sequencing in the context of Alzheimer's disease.

Welcome Joleen Ybarra, a 2024 NeURO-CC Fellow!

Joleen is majoring in clinical neuroscience and hopes to expand her knowledge of the physiology and biology of the brain during her fellowship. Her interest in neuroscience stems from a curiosity about human behavior.

Introducing Rafael Vasquez Jr., a 2024 NeURO-CC Fellow!

Rafael, a chemical biology major, is interested in conducting interdisciplinary research in synthesis, drug development, genetics, and diabetes. Through his research, he hopes to improve the quality of life for all.

We are happy to introduce Mei Li Palmeri (‘26) as a NeURO fellow in our 2024 cohort!

Mei Li is a rising junior at studying biology. As a NeURO fellow, Mei Li will be working in the O’Connell lab to study the neuroscience of social behavior in poison frog tadpoles.

We are thrilled to have Erica Ngok (‘27) join us as a 2024 NeURO fellow!

Erica is studying biology with an emphasis on . As a NeURO fellow, Erica will work in the Petritsch lab to develop strategies to improve treatment for pediatric patients with brain cancer.

Meet Eliana Randazzo Ridley, a 2024 NeURO-CC Fellow!

Double majoring in sociology and business economics, Eliana has always been passionate about research, particularly in animal and human biology. She looks forward to meeting and working with her fellowship peers.

Welcome Noemi Nuñez-Esquivel, a NeURO-CC Fellow in the 2024 cohort!

Noemi is pursuing a degree in computer science at Mission College. Although new to research, she recognizes its potential impact in various fields and is eager to learn more throughout the NeURO-CC program.

Join us in welcoming Amrita Malhotra (‘26), a 2024 NeURO fellow!

Amrita is majoring in symbolic systems with a concentration in . As a NeURO fellow, Amrita will work in the Gibson lab to explore the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and circadian rhythms.

Meet Liv Ledbury (‘25), a 2024 NeURO fellow!

As a first-gen college student, Liv is studying biology with a concentration in neurobiology. This summer, Liv will be working in the Giardino lab to explore the role of the BNST in alcohol use disorder.

Introducing Angela Mendoza Dorantes, a NeURO-CC Fellow in the 2024 cohort!

Angela is a biology major on the pre-veterinary track. Her fascination with cellular function, genetics, and animal studies drove her desire to research diseases and treatments in animal care.

We are excited to introduce Raphael Kim (‘26), a 2024 NeURO fellow!

Raphael is studying bioengineering. This summer, Raphael will be working in the Crabtree lab to explore the applications of genetic manipulations in the development of neurological therapies.

Meet Giselle Mendoza, a 2024 NeURO-CC Fellow!

As a first-generation student, Giselle is studying biology and neuroscience. She is interested in health, genetics, behavioral neuroscience, and mental disorders. She hopes to later attend medical school and work as a psychiatrist.

Cancer neuroscience is an emerging field that studies the intersection of oncology and neuroscience. A pioneer in this frontier is Stanford neuro-oncologist Michelle Monje, who first discovered that tumors depend on the nervous system’s electrical activity to grow and spread.

In this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Monje shares her journey in cancer neuroscience, presenting an exciting new line of attack for oncology research.

Listen to the latest episode of “From Our Neurons to Yours” today!

🔗 https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/how-brain-helps-cancers-grow

Q&A: Unlocking the secrets of taurine in obesity control Groundbreaking research supported by the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience at Stanford’s Wu Tsai

Deadline extended! Nominate Stanford graduate students or postdocs for their meritorious neuroscience research paper by Sunday, Aug 11 at 11:59pm PT.

🔗 https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/programs/community-building/sammy-kuo-awards-neuroscience

The deadline to apply for the Pathways to Neurosciences mentorship and leadership program has been extended!

Apply by Saturday, August 10: https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/programs/training-programs-and-fellowships/pathways-neurosciences

Wu Tsai Neuro seeks applications for Stanford's Pathways to Neurosciences Program!

This mentorship and leadership training program supports late-stage PhD students and early-stage postdocs from underrepresented backgrounds and/or who have historically been excluded from academia.

Learn more and apply by Friday, August 2: https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/programs/training-programs-and-fellowships/pathways-neurosciences

Registration is open for our 11th Annual Symposium, "Brains & Machines: The Co-Evolution of Neuroscience and AI."

🔗 Register here:
https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/events/brains-machines-co-evolution-neuroscience-and-ai

Welcome Isaiah Jarero, a 2024 NeURO-CC Fellow!

Majoring in electrical engineering at Foothill College, Isaiah sees this fellowship as a valuable learning opportunity to explore a new field of study. He looks forward to learning more about the mechanisms within the human brain.

Join us in welcoming Tenzing Kalsang (‘25), a 2024 NeURO fellow!

Currently studying biology with a focus on , Tenzing will be working in the Airan Lab to investigate the effects of targeted ketamine uncaging in the prefrontal cortex as a drug addiction treatment.

Registration and poster submissions for our 11th Annual Symposium open next week on August 6!

🔗 https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/events/brains-machines-co-evolution-neuroscience-and-ai

Wu Tsai Neuro seeks applications for Stanford's Pathways to Neurosciences Program!

This mentorship and leadership training program supports late-stage PhD students and early-stage postdocs from underrepresented backgrounds and/or who have historically been excluded from academia.

Learn more and apply by Friday, August 2: https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/programs/training-programs-and-fellowships/pathways-neurosciences

Introducing Armando Jacinto Marrufo, a 2024 NeURO-CC Fellow!

Armando is a student at Mission College studying engineering. During this fellowship, he is interested in developing brain-connected mechanisms for hands-free computer use.

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ Our 11th Annual Symposium, "Brains & Machines: The Co-Evolution of Neuroscience and AI," is on October 17.

Registration is required and opens early August for attendees and Stanford neuroscience poster submissions. Stay tuned!

https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/events/brains-machines-co-evolution-neuroscience-and-ai

Congratulations to Lisa Giocomo, Wu Tsai Neuro affiliate, for being selected as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute - HHMI Investigator!

Lisa's lab explores the neural basis of spatial navigation, using electrophysiology, imaging, and computational modeling. This award highlights her exceptional research and dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Learn more: https://www.hhmi.org/news/hhmi-invests-over-300-million-26-new-investigators

HHMI Invests Over $300 Million in 26 New Investigators | HHMI Scientists hailing from 19 institutions across the US will join HHMI’s community of Investigators in pursuit of groundbreaking research.

Introducing Jenna Jokhani (‘26), a 2024 NeURO fellow!

Jenna is intending to study political science with a minor in symbolic systems. With a passion for exploring the intersection between neuroscience and law, Jenna will be working in the Wagner Lab this summer.

Fun times at Jasper Ridge! Our NeURO-CC fellows, along with Microfluidics Foundry and Nano@stanford interns, enjoyed a day of exploration and networking at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. 🌳🧠

This trip was made possible by a community engagement grant from Stanford University's Office of Community Engagement. Special thanks to program coordinators Zulema Garibo, Valerie Vargas-Zapata, and Jennifer Ortiz Cárdenas for securing the grant and organizing this event!

Psychiatric disorders like depression are an important public health issue. Today, researchers are exploring how to use virtual reality (VR) to treat these disorders. Stanford psychiatrist Kim Bullock, MD, is leading efforts to develop VR methods to improve existing psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, making it easier for patients to practice new behaviors and thought patterns in a controlled fashion through simulated experiences.

In this week’s podcast, Dr. Bullock explains how VR is transforming the world of psychotherapy and helping patients to experience the world in a more positive, healthy way.

Listen to the latest episode of “From Our Neurons to Yours” here: https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/how-vr-could-help-treat-depression

Meet MaryAnne Garay, a NeURO-CC Fellow in the 2024 cohort!

MaryAnne is pursuing a degree in respiratory therapy and is interested in exploring how environmental factors influence substance use and abuse, hoping to help patients improve their health and well-being.