Principal Investigator
Wei Xu
Current Lab Members
Ying Li
Senior Research Scientist
B.S. Peking University
Ph.D. Univ. of Southern California
Kelly Zhao
Research Assistant
B.S. University of Texas, Austin
Uzair Saleem
Graduate Student/Ph.D. Candidate
B.S. University of Texas, Austin
"I am a current graduate student in the lab who is passionate about the circuits underlying learning and memory. I received a BS in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin where I first gained a passion for neuroscience by investigating the role of brain rhythms in learning and memory in Dr. Laura Colgin's lab. As part of my work in the lab, I've been working with the lab to help further understand the circuitry of the hippocampus by investigating the role of two separate subnetworks within the CA3 region of the hippocampus."
Lizbeth Munoz
Research Assistant
B.S. Colorado State University
"I am currently a research assistant II in Xu's lab investigating various interesting projects with the team. From studying circuits about learning and memory to studying Alzheimer's Disease with collaborators, I have a deep passion and commitment to my work ethic, teamwork, and responsibilities within the lab. I received a BS in Biological Sciences at Colorado State University where soon, thereafter, moved to Texas and joined UT Southwestern. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading some good books, and keeping up with my health through fitness."
Ai-Vy Le
Research Assistant
B.S. University of Texas, Austin
Lab Alumni
Tanvi Panchumarthy
Research Assistant (2024-2025)
B.S. University of Texas, Austin
"I started working as a technician in the lab at the beginning of the year after graduating from UT Austin. I am now preparing to apply to MD-PhD programs. I am working on the molecular biology projects in the lab and have made over 500 plasmids so far! Outside lab, I enjoy going on walks and skipping rocks at the lake."
Juhi Arora
Summer Research Student (2024)
STARS Program
"I am currently a rising senior at Edward S. Marcus High School, aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. I am fascinated by the intricacies and uncharted territory of the human brain and hope to pursue a career in Pediatric Neurology. This summer I am interning through the UTSW STARS program focusing on the cell targeting project in Dr. Xu’s lab. Outside the summer internship, I enjoy playing tennis, dancing, and volunteering at the Ekta Mandir Medical Camp."
Ian Nelson
Research Assistant (2023-2024)
B.S. The Evergreen State College
“I’m Ian Nelson, part of the awesome team in Dr. Xu’s lab at UT Southwestern. My journey started in the U.S. Special Forces, where I honed serious skills in discipline and focused, consistent effort—skills I’m now leveraging in neuroscience research. Over the past year, I’ve conducted over 400 stereotactic surgeries to deliver various viruses to the brain, deeply exploring Alzheimer’s research and memory retrieval circuits. I’ve recently been accepted to UTSW’s PhD program in neuroscience, where I’m eager to unravel the neural mechanisms behind stress, habits, and traumatic memories. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me diving into topics like strength training, muscle growth, online income generation, and communication skills, or hitting the gym. I’m also actively learning and applying business skills to help others live their best lives."
Jun Guo
Graduate student, 2015-2021
Aspen Samuel
Research Assistant, 2015-2017
Elizabeth Li
Research Assistant, 2016-2020
Lynnea Harris
Summer Research Student (from Furman University), 2015
Preston D'Souza
Summer Research Student (SURF program, from UT Dallas), 2016
Anthony Rivera
Summer Research Student (STARS program, from JBS Law Magnet), 2016
I-Mei Liao
Rotation Student, 2016
Andrew Kan
Summer Research Student (STARS program), 2017
Yuh-Tarng Chen
Graduate student, 2016-2021
Yi Luo
Postdoctoral Research Associate, 2020-2021
Alyssa Thompson
Research Assistant, 2020-2023
Katarina Ramos
Research Assistant, 2020-2023
Yerim Kim
Research Assistant, 2020-2023
Rachel Arano
Research Assistant, 2020-2023
Rebecca Preciado
Research Assistant, 2022-2023