Team

Lab Members

Wen Wen, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate

Wen is a Postdoctoral Associate specializing in cognitive aging and neural plasticity. She investigates inhibitory control, learning and memory in healthy aging populations and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer’s disease. Her research employs advanced methodologies, including electrophysiology (EEG and MEG), neuroimaging (fMRI), and noninvasive neuromodulation (tES and TMS). Wen received her Bachelor of Science in Faculty of Psychology from Beijing Normal University and obtained her PhD in School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences from Peking University (under the supervision of Professor Sheng Li). Her PhD dissertation focused on the neural mechanisms of distraction inhibition in visual attention. Her interest in working memory developed during her time as a visiting PhD student at Oxford University with Professor Mark Stokes. She is now particularly enthusiastic about understanding age-related working memory decline and developing nonpharmacological methods to enhance cognitive functions.

Shrey Grover, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Shrey is a Postdoctoral Associate studying the cognitive and physiological processes underpinning human memory function, and their decline with healthy aging and age-related pathologies. He received his PhD in Psychology from Boston University where he studied modulation of brain rhythms for improving cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Prior to his graduate studies, he was a research assistant in cognitive neuroscience at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India. Outside of the lab, Shrey enjoys reading about languages, writing systems, and the law.
Frederik Baumgardt
PhD Student, Psychological & Brain Sciences

Frederik is a PhD student in the Brain, Behavior & Cognition program at the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Before joining Boston University, he received a Master’s in Mathematical Medicine and Biology from the University of Nottingham, UK and a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leipzig, Germany. His research interests focus on representational formats in visual working memory and EEG decoding analyses. Outside of the lab, Frederik enjoys beekeeping, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with family.

Leo Chenyang Lin
PhD Student, Psychological & Brain Sciences
Leo obtained his BS in neuroscience with a minor in Asian Linguistics at UCLA, where he conducted research on cross-modal perception and affective responses to sensory stimuli. Prior to his graduate studies, Leo served as a Full-time Associate at Yale School of Medicine, where he investigated neural mechanisms underlying the cognitive impairments in early-course schizophrenia, using neuroimaging and computational methods. During his graduate studies, Leo is keen to explore the integration of causal neuroscience tools with neuroimaging techniques and computational modeling to address fundamental questions in human consciousness, perception, and cognition, with the aim of using these insights to develop scalable theories and enhance clinical solutions for neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of the lab, Leo enjoys singing, playing badminton, skiing, working out, and binge-watching K-dramas.
Lizzy Joo
PhD Student, Biology

Lizzy is a graduate student in the Neurobiology program at BU. She received her B.S. degree in Neuroscience from Brandeis University. Her current research project examines thalamic contributions to consciousness through integration, segregation, and continuity of visual perception, using non-invasive brain stimulation to probe these processes’ roles in conscious experience. Outside of the lab, Lizzy enjoys playing the violin in various music groups. During college, she was a violinist in the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and has continued her musical pursuits after graduation through the MIT chamber music society and several local Boston orchestras.

David (Yu) Fang
PhD Student, Psychological & Brain Sciences

David obtained his BS in applied mathematics at University of Washington. Before starting graduate school, he worked as a full-time Research Data Analyst at Stanford University. His research interests include using computational tools to understand properties of brain activity and explore how perceptual input translates into neural responses. Outside of the lab, David enjoys reading, playing trading card games, and badminton.

Sarah Lehner
MA Student, Psychological & Brain Sciences

Sarah is a graduate student in the Psychological & Brain Sciences program at Boston University. She received her BS in Psychology, with a minor in Biology, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research interests include utilizing neuroimaging techniques to explore neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychopathology, particularly in relation to forensic neuropsychology. Outside the lab, Sarah enjoys discovering new music, traveling, and sketching.

Kayla (Shihan) Xu
MA Student, Psychological & Brain Sciences

Kayla is a graduate student in the Psychological & Brain Sciences program at BU. She received her B.S. degree in Applied Math and Psychology & Brain Sciences, with a minor in Applied Psychology, from the UCSB. Her research interests focus on utilizing technology to enhance attention and memory performance, especially in individuals with ADHD and ASD. Outside of the lab, Kayla enjoys reading novels, watching TV shows, and shopping.

Doug Hazel
Research Technician

Doug obtained his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Boston University and his master’s degree in Neurobiology at Tufts University. His master’s thesis focused on understanding the interactions between Alzheimer’s Disease pathologies and glucocorticoid inhibitors. Outside of the lab, Doug enjoys reading, rock climbing and sampling great foods around the city.

Seth Schallies
Research Technician

Seth is a graduate of Boston University, where he studied Psychology and Neuroscience. His research interests focus on decision-making, particularly in the areas of valuation, probabilistic learning, and executive control. He aims to deepen our understanding of the cognitive processes involved in decision-making in both humans and animals. Seth has prior experience as a research assistant in Dr. Pepperberg’s Avian Cognition Lab, where he contributed to research on animal cognition. He has also worked in Dr. McGuire’s Decision & Cognition Lab at BU. Outside of his academic work, Seth enjoys birdwatching, running, and cooking.

Aditi Sharma
Research Assistant
Aditi is a junior at Boston University, majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. Her research interests center on memory and the neural mechanisms underlying it, with a particular focus on the role of the hippocampus in memory processes. She is also deeply interested in clinical psychology, especially in understanding how neural dysfunction contributes to disorders such as schizophrenia and mood disorders. Aditi hopes to pursue graduate studies to further explore these topics and contribute to research bridging neuroscience and clinical applications. Outside of academics, she is a competitive boxer and enjoys running and reading in her free time.
Jiani Wang
Research Assistant

Jiani (Nancy) is a junior at Boston University studying Biology and Art History. She is passionate about the intersection of science and healthcare, with a growing interest in neuroscience and its relationship to cognitive psychology. Nancy is eager to explore how neural mechanisms influence thought, behavior, and emotion, and how this knowledge can be applied to improve mental health and patient care. Outside of the lab, she enjoys binge-watching movies, visiting art galleries and museums, and exploring new cafes.

Isabelle Powers
Research Assistant
Isabelle is a junior at Boston University, studying Philosophy & Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. Her research interests include exploring novel treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, mental illness, and the cognitive process behind decision making. Outside the lab, she is a member of the chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma and the club Women in Neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, watching movies, and exploring the city with her friends.
Kailey Suh
Research Assistant
Kailey is a graduate student in the Master’s of Medical Sciences program at Boston University. She received her B.S. in Human Biology, Health, and Society, with a minor in Gerontology, from Cornell University. As an undergraduate researcher, she researched memory distortion and false memory. Her current research interests lie in neurodegenerative diseases and their effects on memory processes. Outside of the lab, she works as an EMT, and enjoys playing the violin and reading during her free time.
Sophia Caires
Research Assistant
Sophia is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Neuroscience and Philosophy. She is deeply interested in neuropsychiatry, immunology, and phenomenology, and is particularly interested in how these fields intersect. She is passionate about understanding the etiologies of enigmatic neuropsychiatric disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, and PTSD, particularly in conjunction with autoimmune dysfunction. She hopes to pursue an MD/PhD in psychoneuroimmunology where she can further study the relationship between stress, inflammation, and neurologic disorders. Beyond academics, Sophia is a phlebotomist at Boston Medical Center who enjoys reading and attending local concerts.
Junzheng (Jerry) Wang
Research Assistant

Junzheng (Jerry) Wang is an undergraduate researcher studying neuroscience and psychology, with a particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. His research focuses on understanding the impact of protein aggregation on brain function and its role in cognitive and motor impairments. He aims to develop expertise in advanced brain imaging techniques to investigate these mechanisms at both structural and functional levels. Junzheng is also interested in exploring the intersection of neurobiology and computational analysis to better understand disease progression. Outside of research, he enjoys drawing, dancing, and he also produces music.

Sofia Smith
Research Assistant

Sofia is an undergraduate junior studying Human Physiology at BU. She is passionate about health, preventative medicine, and applied science. She is eager to learn more about memory and further explore the complexity of the brain and how neurological research operates. Outside of the lab she works as a rehab aide at the Sargent Center for Neurorehabilitation and at the BU sailing pavilion. She is from Vermont and in her free time loves to hike, ski, run, play pickleball, and lift.

Sreenisha Gana Murali Sai Hemavathy
Research Assistant

Sreenisha is an undergraduate senior at Boston university pursuing a dual degree in neuroscience and human physiology on the premed track. She has a passion to understand the dynamics behind memory and learning, and is particularly interested in exploring innovative approaches to treating Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on how neuromodulation techniques like non-invasive brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation could match or even surpass traditional drug therapies targeting tau and beta-amyloid proteins. She plans to go to medical school and pursue a career as a physician-scientist. Outside of the lab, she enjoys working out, trying new restaurants in the city and spending time with her dog.

Alice Chen
Research Assistant

Alice Chen is a sophomore at Boston University majoring in Psychology. She is particularly interested in the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and emotional expression, especially how neural mechanisms shape anxiety and decision-making. Her curiosity also extends to drama-based approaches—such as psychodrama and drama therapy—as tools for emotional regulation and mental health support. In addition to her academic interests, Alice is passionate about science communication and has experience working in media and event planning. Outside the lab, she enjoys freediving and watching drama performances.

Myra Arora
Research Assistant

Myra is an undergraduate freshman studying Neuroscience at BU. She is passionate about investigating ASD and Alzheimer’s disease and the interplay of cultural and social stressors with genetic factors in neuropsychiatric disease. Myra plans on pursuing a career in translational research in neuroscience. Outside of the lab, as well as being part of BU’s Events Department and an editor on the BU Nerve, Myra enjoys reading and listening to music on a long walk.

Jennifer Hoang
Research Assistant
Jennifer is a Health Science undergraduate at Boston University with a strong interest in neuroscience. Her interests include integrating causal neuroscience tools, neuroimaging techniques, and computational modeling to study consciousness, perception, cognition, coding, and dentistry. Beyond academics, she enjoys perfumery, reading, and staying active through workouts.
Sara Bissell
Research Assistant
Sara is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and biology at Brandeis University. Sara is interested in the neurobiological etiologies of obsessive compulsive disorder as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. Sara is extremely excited to gain experience in uncovering novel treatments using neuromodulation for these disorders and hopes to help people and work alongside her fellow peers. Outside of the lab, Sara enjoys reading and studying the Bible, long distance running and fashion.
Aaron Uotila
Research Assistant

Aaron is an undergraduate student at Boston University interested in pursuing a career in Psychiatry. Aaron has a passion towards healthcare and is looking to attend medical school after his undergraduate studies. In the lab, Aaron hopes to pursue his interests in mental illness and uncovering more about the mystery of memory. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys playing sports like basketball and soccer, and working out. He also has interests in art history.

Taru Meshram
Research Assistant

Taru is a recent Computer Science graduate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. He is interested in exploring intelligent systems across both artificial and biological substrates. His research interests lie in applying computational methodologies to neural data to better understand the human brain, as well as developing bio-inspired AI. Outside of academia, Taru enjoys soccer, playing the guitar, and films.

Linghe (Linda) Hu
Research Assistant

Linghe (Linda) is a junior at Boston University double majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. Her research interests lie at the intersection of clinical and cognitive neuroscience, focusing on how anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s affect brain networks, memory, and emotional regulation. She is particularly interested in understanding these mechanisms to help develop interventions that can alleviate symptoms and support cognitive and emotional functioning in individuals with these conditions. In her free time, she enjoys music, strolling through Boston’s parks, working out and cooking.

Alumni

Bao Jiaxuan

Research Assistant, 

2022-2024 (Clinical Research Coordinator, Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, BIDMC)

Phillip (Xin) Cheng

Research Fellow, 

2021-2023 (Research Specialist II, Sabine Kastner’s Lab, Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University)

Justine Fragetta

MA Student, 

2021-2023 (PhD Program, Nathan Rose’s Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame)

Shruthi Sankaranarayanan

MS Student, 

2021-2023 (PhD Program, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University)

Serife Leman Runyun

Visiting PhD Student, 

2021-2022 (PhD Program, Karen Quigley’s Lab, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University)

Senthil Palanivelu

Data Analyst I, 

2020-2021 (Research Associate, Paola Malerba’s Lab, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio)

Hayato Nakamura

Student Research Assistant, 

2019-2020 (MS Program, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University)

Chenlingxi (Lyncie) Xu

MS Student, 

2019-2021 (PhD Program, Nathan Rose’s Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame)

Amanat Bansal

Honors Student & Research Assistant, 

2019-2020 (Founder and Director of Research & Development at CoDee)

Sanjeev Rampam

Student Research Assistant, 

2019-2021 (MD Program, Boston University Medical School)