Laboratory Cores
Behavior Core
Frank W Blixt, PhD – Research Scientist
Education & Training
BS Zoology Biomedical Science, University of Oklahoma – Norman, OK (2011)
MS Biology, Lund University – Sweden (2013)
PhD Clinical Sciences, Lund University – Sweden (2018)
Areas of Interest
Research interests: microbiome influence on development, generational effects of dysbiosis, stroke, retinal ischemia
Clinical interests: microbiome targeted therapies for stroke prevention/recovery
Research & Experience
-Retinal Ischemia – A Vascular Perspective (2014-2018) under the supervision of Professor Lars Edvinsson and Professor Karin Warfvinge – Lund University, Sweden
-The role of CGRP in migraine pathophysiology (2014-2020) under the supervision of Professor Lars Edvinsson and Professor Kristian Agmund Haanes – Glostrup Research Park, Denmark
Hobbies & Interests
Film making and editing, European football, and working out.
Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core
Huihui Fan, MBBS, PhD – Assistant Professor
Education & Training
MBBS Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University – Harbin, China
PhD Bioinformatics, Harbin Medical University – Harbin, China
Postdoc Cancer Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Areas of Interest
Research interests: Integrative OMICS, Single-cell multi-omics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Cancer-Alzheimer’s Disease Nexus
Research & Experience
I am a computational biologist with a long-standing focus on integrative research of epigenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in human complex diseases, cancers in particular, through computational approaches while utilizing bulk and single-cell multi-omics sequencing data. I received training in medicine (M.B.B.S.) and bioinformatics (Ph.D.), and I have extensive experience with genome-scale multi-omics data integration research. I also led team efforts on epigenetic research for several Pan-Cancer Atlas (PanCanAtlas) working groups within The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network. These working groups included, pan-cancer gynecologic and breast cancer, pan-cancer squamous cancer, pan-cancer kidney cancer, and pan-cancer DNA damage repair pathway. This collaborative effort concluded in 2018 and led to a series of landmark publications on multi-omics integration research in human cancers with combined citations of more than 20,000 times.
As an Assistant Professor of Neurology with the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), I have expanded my research interests to the field of artificial intelligence and single-cell multi-omics research in human cancers, as well as cancer-associated microenvironment. The cancer-Alzheimer’s disease nexus is an emerging field that I am actively involved in for the purpose of transfer-learning using the immense knowledge accumulated from human cancers, focusing on therapeutics.
Hobbies & Interests
Travel, sports, and learning new things
Eunyoung Angela Lee, PhD – Assistant Professor
Education & Training
MS Biostatistics, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
PhD Medical Sciences and Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University – Suwon, South Korea
Areas of Interest
Research interests: Development of statistical and machine learning methods for complex biomedical data analysis (imaging, EHRs), including feature selection, predictive modeling, and network analysis, and translational research in aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental health
Clinical interests: Patient heterogeneity characterization for precision medicine and personalized therapeutic strategies, and statistical methods for early disease screening and prevention in neurodegenerative disorders
Research & Experience
As a computational biostatistician, I specialize in developing and applying advanced statistical methodologies to analyze complex biomedical data, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative conditions and brain aging. My research integrates diverse clinical data sources, including electronic health records, neuroimaging, and longitudinal cohort studies, to decode disease mechanisms and progression patterns. I employ innovative statistical approaches for temporal modeling of disease trajectories, identification of novel disease subtypes, and development of precision medicine strategies. My methodological work spans machine learning, network analysis, and statistical modeling, with applications in early detection and risk stratification. Through rigorous statistical frameworks and computational methods, my research aims to advance our understanding of age-related diseases and translate these insights into actionable clinical strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Hobbies & Interests
Baseball enthusiast, aspiring golfer, and avid explorer of YouTube’s endless offerings.
Akram Yazdani, PhD – Assistant Professor
Education & Training
PhD Statistics, University of Padova – Italy
Cell Culture Core
Andrea Becerra-Calixto, PhD – Research Scientist
Education & Training
BS Microbiology
MS Biomedical Basic Science
PhD Biomedical Science: Neuroscience
Areas of Interest
Research interests: Cellular and molecular neurobiology and development of cell culture system models based on stem cell technologies
Clinical interests: Neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and neurovascular diseases
Research & Experience
My research has focused on the development of brain and mid-brain organoids to understand the deconstruction of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Likewise, I have developed neuroprotection models through gene and cell therapy in cerebral ischemia, searching for molecular targets related to immunoregulation in neural cells. I have experience in 2D and 3D cell culture systems, microscopy, and biochemical and immunoassay techniques.
Histology Core
Chunfeng (Sheryl) Tan, MD, PhD – Assistant Professor
Education & Training
MD Clinical Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology – Qinhuangdao, China
PhD Neuropathy, Niigata University Brain Research Institute – Niigata, Japan
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Niigata University Brain Research Institute – Niigata, Japan
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: Neuropathology of Neurological disorders (ALS, AD, FTD, Stroke, etc.) and Psychiatric disorders (Schizophrenia, Depression, drug addiction, etc.)
Research & Experience
I worked as a trainee and faculty member at Niigata University, Japan, where I conducted extensive research in Neuropathology. As a neuropathologist, I accumulated vast experience in human anatomy and gross and microscopic investigation of specimens. I also gained experience in histotechnology for clinicopathological research. After moving to the United States, I worked in the basic and translational research laboratories and focused on cellular and molecular neuroscience. I elaborated my expertise in Pathology and contributed to multiple basic and translational research projects to understand the neurobiology and pathophysiology of brain disorders, including Cognition, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Anxiety/Depression, Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Neuroendocrine cancer. I expanded my experience in animal anatomy and histopathology and strengthened the technologies for basic and translational research. The studies I have led and been involved with were published in major Neuropathology, Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cancer journals.
Moreover, I have been involved in building the human brain banks. I hosted courses as an instructor to teach members of the Willed Body Program how to effectively harvest the human brain.
Hobbies & Interests
Photography, cooking, traveling and playing with my kids
Hongyu Wu, MD/PhD – Senior Research Associate
Education & Training
MD HeBei Medical University – China
PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College – China
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Houston, TX
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Houston, TX
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: neurologic disease and disorders
Research & Experience
I have 5 years of postdoctoral training and 5 years of experience as a research associate
Hobbies & Interests
Traveling
Weihua Tian, MD – Senior Research Associate
Education & Training
MD Xinjiang Medical University – China
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: clinical and basic research in neurologic disease
Research & Experience
I have 40 years of research experience in clinical pathology.
Hobbies & Interests
Walking, biking, and art
Ashlee Arizmendez – Research Coordinator
Education & Training
BS Forensic Science with concentration in Biology, The University of Texas at El Paso – El Paso, TX (2021)
MS Biological Sciences with specialization in Pre-Health, University of Houston-Clear Lake – Houston, TX (2023)
Areas of Interest
Clinical interests: Healthcare and patient care. I work primarily in a hospital setting with patients and their families
Hobbies & Interests
Traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family
Surgery Core
Solji Roh, MD – Research Scientist
Education & Training
MD Kyungpook National University School of Medicine – Daegu, South Korea
Areas of Interests
Research Interest: animal surgical models, neurovascular disease
Clinical interests: aging, ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease
Research & Experience
My research is focused on the development of a surgical model for neurovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease.
Hobbies & Interests
Hiking and art