The N-LAB is building a multidisciplinary team of talented scientists and engineers interested in pursuing innovative ideas to understand brain functions better. We engage to provide researchers and trainees a supportive and inclusive environment. Regardless of gender, race, origins, prior knowledge, etc., we aim to ensure all lab members feel they belong to the lab family.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
NAN LI, PH.D.
Email | NE3.222
Nan received her B.S. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, and her Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, both in Biomedical Engineering. After postdoctoral training at MIT, in 2021, she joined UT Southwestern as an Assistant Professor, an endowed Thomas O. Hicks Scholar in Medical Research, in the Advanced Imaging Research Center, the Department of Neuroscience, and O’Donnel Brain Institute at UT Southwestern. Nan was selected as 20 McGovern Rising Stars at MIT in 2020. Nan is the recipient of the Harvard Chinese Life Sciences Distinguished Research Award, the Stanley Fahn Research Fellowship, Women in Bio Robbie Melton Scholarship Award, the UT System Rising STARs Award, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Award, Welch Foundation Award, and King Foundation Award.
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST
MIN JUNG KIM, PH.D.
Email | NE3.200
Min Jung received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Washington. In the past, she has conducted studies involving electrophysiology, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and fiber-photometry in brain regions such as the amygdala, midbrain, and striatum. These studies were carried out in task-performing rodents or non-human primates.
GRADUATE STUDENT
RUI YANG, M.S.
Email | NE3.200
Rui received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering&Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and hold an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University. She is interested in medical image processing, machine learning, and computational biophysiological system modeling. In her spare time, she likes to binge-watch the Harry Potter movie series while sipping on a golden spice latte.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
TABITHA HAUN
Email | NE3.200
Tabi earned her B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. With a minor in Neuroscience, she developed a keen interest in the brain mechanisms underlying addiction and mental health disorders. After graduating in 2024, she joined NLab. Currently, her research focuses on using fiber photometry and hemogenetic fMRI to explore basal ganglia signaling in reward learning. Outside of work, she enjoys skating, rock climbing, and cooking.
RESEARCH INTERN
AMAN PATHAN
Email | NE3.200
Aman received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas. With a strong interest in imaging techniques, Aman is passionate about exploring the brain and applying bioengineering concepts. Currently, his work focuses on developing machine learning methods for analyzing functional neuroimaging data, including fMRI and optical calcium imaging. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and creating art.
VISITING STUDENT
YIZE WU
Email | NE3.200
Yize is a senior undergraduate student from Nankai University in China. His current research focuses on retrograde neuronal tracing and neuroactivity manipulation using chemogenetic/optogenetic and viral approaches. Besides mastering new experimental techniques, He is also developing skills in image analysis, computational modeling, and related fields. In his free time, Yize likes to relax by watching dramas and enjoying music
YOU!
Postdoctoral trainees, graduate and undergraduate students, visiting research scholars are welcome to join our team! Postdoctoral candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in biomedical engineering/bioengineering, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, electrical and computer engineering, biochemistry, or a related field, prior to the effective date of the appointment. Highly motivated and talented candidates are welcome to apply. Background with MRI /Neuroscience /Synthetic Biology will be a plus. Information on the UT Southwestern postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found here.
Interested applicants should send an email to Dr. Nan Li, with a CV, contact information for three references, and a brief statement of research achievements, interests, and career plans.
LAB ALUMNI
Angelica Calderon (SURF) Undergrad student University of Puerto Rico
Ibraheem Mian (SURF) Undergrad student University of Oklahoma
Dayelin Navarro (SURF) Master student Dallas Baptist University
Swathi Pillai (Green Fellow) Undergrad student University of Texas at Dallas
Muditha Rathnayaka Senior Lecturer University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Deng Zhang Research Scientist Janelia Research Campus