Jin Zhang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Jin is interested in how changes in gene expression contribute to the function of the nervous system and animal behavior. She received her Ph.D. degree from New York University in Dr. Danny Reinberg’s lab studying gene transcription and epigenetic mechanisms. Fascinated by sensory biology, she then joined Dr. Charles Zuker’s lab at Columbia University and studied the mammalian taste pathway. She is co-mentored by Dr. Tom Maniatis during her postdoctoral training. Her postdoctoral work was awarded the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research. She joined Molecular Medicine at UMass Med School in January, 2022.
Li-Tzu Chen, M.S., Graduate Student
““I am Lily. I got my master’s degree from National Taiwan University, focusing on how neuronal mitochondrial dynamics coordinate systemic mitochondrial states in C. elegans. Now I am interested in studying how sensory neurons modulate internal physiology.”
Xinyue Xia, B.S., Graduate Student
“One of earth-living humans born in the late 20th century.
Whovian, Marvel fan.
Enjoys stargazing, playing violin and learning new languages.
Interested in sensory circuits wiring, the understating of which is important in entertaining ourselves during interstellar traveling..”
Samuel Bond, B.A., Graduate Student
“I’m Sam. I received my B.A. in Biology from Skidmore College with prior research working on mechanisms whereby environmental stimuli (particularly light) alters Drosophila sleep behavior in the labs of Drs. Christopher Vecsey at Skidmore and Patrick Emery at UMass Chan. Now, I am interested in defining molecular and circuit-level mechanisms that enable crosstalk between the peripheral gustatory system and the central mesolimbic reward system to control feeding behavior, with an ultimate goal of discovering new treatment paradigms for disordered eating. ”
Aurora Golden, B.S., PREP Student
“I am Rory. I received my b.s. in biochemistry at UMass Boston. Previous research includes studying the impact of the microbiome on hematopoietic development in Drosophila. I currently am interested in exploring the immunological behavior and impact on taste sensory cells, as well as delineating the differences in immune and sensory functions in the tongue. ”
Bingqin Zheng, M.S., Research Associate
“I got my M.S. in biobehavioral neurosciences from Teachers College, Columbia University. My master's thesis focused on how social experience changes the dopaminergic modulation of aggressive behaviors in mice. I would love to explore the crosstalks among neural plasticity, metabolic dynamics, and experiences. My current research interest is understanding molecular mechanisms mediating taste and food intake preferences. ”
Hiring at all levels!
Fascinated by sensory biology? Come join us!
Postdoctoral Scientist
Postdoctoral scientist positions in the fields of sensory biology and neuroscience are available in the Zhang lab, starting January, 2022. The lab is interested in the interplay between sensory biology and internal physiology, and is currently studying the neurological, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying this interplay in the mammalian taste pathway. The postdoc will also have considerable freedom to develop a project that fits the broad scope of our laboratory. Interested applicants must have a Ph.D. degree in a field of biological sciences. A successful candidate will have a record of research productivity, be able to work collaboratively, and have the ability to reason clearly and creatively about biological questions.
Graduate Students
Please contact the PI to discuss the rotation projects.
Research Technician
Our laboratory is seeking an energetic and highly motivated individual interested in a full-time salaried position as a Research Technician, conducting research in the areas of sensory biology and neuroscience. The Zhang lab is interested in the interplay between sensory biology and internal physiology. We are currently studying the mammalian taste pathway to understand how the nervous system integrates external and internal information to drive behavior and maintain homeostasis. The laboratory technician will learn state-of-the-art multidisciplinary techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR-based animal engineering, viral targeting, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and animal behavior. The ideal candidate will actively seek to understand the science behind the experiments and work well both independently and in a team. The technician will receive mentorship from and work closely with the PI, Dr. Jin Zhang.