Joe Wan, Boxuan Zhao Lab, “Spatially-resolved mPFC Astrocyte Expression Profile Heterogeneity"

Peter Sun, Boxuan Zhao Lab, "Spatially Resolved Synaptic Molecular Profiling Of Fear-Related Memory Engram Neurons Based On Proximity-Labeling"

Haichao Wang, Ben Auerbach Lab, "Excitatory and Inhibitory Neuron-Specific Loss of FMRP Differentially Shapes Developmental Behavioral Phenotypes in Fragile X Syndrome "

Bo Yuan, Howard Gritton Lab, "Coordinated Network Dynamics of Cholinergic Interneurons and D1/D2 Medium Spiny Neurons During Movement"

Lara Mattana Ferst, Maren Lab, "Astrocytic Ca²⁺ Dynamics in Stress-Induced Extinction Deficits"

Alex Abramenko, Maren Lab, "Preliminary Evidence that Propranolol Selectively Blocks Fear Renewal in Male but not Female Rats"

Kennedi Crayton, Maren Lab, "Stress differently engages parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons in rat medial prefrontal cortex"

Precision Modeling and Control for Human Neurostimulation

Abstract: The human brain is notoriously complex and nonlinear. At the same time, it is difficult to access in-vivo, necessitating spatially-coarse methods for both measurement and actuation. Thus, new methods are needed to perform identification and control in the brain medicine setting. I will present two classes of algorithms developed by our group: 1) dual-state parameter estimation algorithms, and 2) ergodic control over long-term dynamics. While motivated by problems in neural engineering, we emphasize the applicability of general principles across a wide range of control problems in which conventional approaches prove computationally intractable or difficult to implement in a medical setting.

Biography: Matthew Singh, an assistant professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explores how nonlinear dynamics and machine learning can untangle the brain's complexity. His work develops personalized brain-stimulation strategies and tackles theoretical challenges in large-scale neural modeling, aiming to bridge math, AI, and cognitive health. He received his PhD in Neuroscience from Washington University in St. Louis. His COmputation and NEurodynamics lab at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology bridges mathematical theory and bioinformatics towards modeling, predicting, and enhancing neural computation.

Gene delivery has become an essential method for biological research and offers promises for therapeutic applications. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are among the most preferred gene delivery vectors due to their low toxicity and high engineering potential. However, their poor efficacy and target specificity remain critical limitations, often raising serious safety concerns in clinical trials. My research has focused on engineering these viral vectors, enabling efficient and targeted gene delivery to the central and peripheral nervous systems through minimally invasive routes. To achieve this goal, we have developed several high-throughput platforms for engineering and screening the genetic variant libraries of AAV capsids and genomes by adapting cutting-edge directed evolution and spatial omics technologies. Through these technical innovations, we have developed a series of engineered AAVs that are, for instance, capable of penetrating the protective blood-brain barrier, preferentially transducing specific

Research Topics
Drug Discovery, Endocrinology, Metabolic Regulation, Neurobiology, Optogenetics, Reproductive Biology
Research Description
Neural circuitry regulating feeding and emotion
Feeding behavior is largely controlled by conserved neural circuitry located in the hypothalamus. These neural circuits are interconnected with brain circuits that regulate diverse physiological and emotional processes, and dysfunction in this circuitry is likely at the core of many metabolic and psychiatric disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and obesity.
To better understand the neural circuitry controlling feeding, and how this circuitry is altered in pathological conditions, we focus our studies on the central melanocortin system. 

Create the "write" habit! Our writing group provides graduate students with dedicated time to make progress on writing in a supportive atmosphere. The writing group provides structured writing, break, and discussion time, with each meeting consisting of a short goal-setting conversation, quiet writing time, and a concluding reflection and wrap-up. You will be working on your own current writing (e.g., thesis, dissertation, manuscript). These groups do not offer feedback--if you're looking to learn more and improve your writing, check out our events or make an appointment to get individualized feedback. These groups are ideal for graduate students who are seeking to create or return to a writing routine, make progress and meet deadlines on long-term projects, or jump-start a new writing project. Find more information and our Writing Group FAQs here, and learn more about our consultations and policies.

Our writing groups are held every Tuesday from 9:00am-12:00pm, and we encourage you to attend regularly. We will not meet on campus holidays.

This event will be held in a hybrid format: Join us in-person in the Main Library Orange Room. Or, join us online. The Zoom link will be in your registration confirmation email and in the weekly reminder emails.

The Writers Workshop will email you a weekly reminder. You only need to register once for the recurring writing group. Please register using your University of Illinois email.

Create the "write" habit! Our writing group provides graduate students with dedicated time to make progress on writing in a supportive atmosphere. The writing group provides structured writing, break, and discussion time, with each meeting consisting of a short goal-setting conversation, quiet writing time, and a concluding reflection and wrap-up. You will be working on your own current writing (e.g., thesis, dissertation, manuscript). These groups do not offer feedback--if you're looking to learn more and improve your writing, check out our events or make an appointment to get individualized feedback. These groups are ideal for graduate students who are seeking to create or return to a writing routine, make progress and meet deadlines on long-term projects, or jump-start a new writing project. Find more information and our Writing Group FAQs here, and learn more about our consultations and policies.

Our writing groups are held every Friday from 9:00am-12:00pm, and we encourage you to attend regularly. We will not meet on campus holidays.

This event will be held in a hybrid format: Join us in-person in the Main Library Orange Room. Or, join us online. The Zoom link will be in your registration confirmation email and in the weekly reminder emails.

The Writers Workshop will email you a weekly reminder. You only need to register once for the recurring writing group. Please register using your University of Illinois email.

Join us at noon on Wednesdays this fall for yoga with a view! All sessions are free and will be held in Beckman's fifth-floor tower room. All are welcome to bring their own mat!