Hui (Iris) Zhang, PhD,
[email protected]
Principal Investigator
Dr. Hui (Iris) Zhang received her B.A. in Biophysics from Fudan University and completed her Ph.D. in Neurobiology at Columbia University. She then joined the laboratory of David Sulzer at Columbia University for postdoctoral training. Currently, she is an Associate Professor at the Center for Neurological Disease Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia. In her free time, she loves to cook, dance, and travel.
Yuanxin Chen, PhD
[email protected]
Associate Research Scientist
Dr. Chen joined the lab in Oct 2023, bringing extensive expertise in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of neurological disorders including vascular dementia. His current research focuses on unraveling the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) utilizing state-of-the-art tools like in vivo and in vitro two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM), optogenetics, and spatial transcriptomics analysis. His ultimate goal is to develop novel metabolic immunotherapy strategies to combat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Shiquan Cui, M.D.
[email protected]
Postdoc fellow
Shiquan Cui earned his M.D. degree from Henan University of Chinese Medicine. His current research focuses on mechanism of mitochondrial trafficking deficits in Parkinson’s disease using LRRK2 mouse models.
Huaixing Wang, PhD, M.D.
[email protected]
Postdoc Fellow
“With over 28 years of research experience specializing in neurotransmission and patch-clamp electrophysiology, my work is centered on understanding the synaptic and circuit dysfunctions associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). My research delves into the mechanisms underlying these disruptions, focusing on the roles of specific ion channels and receptors. By exploring these molecular and cellular processes, I aim to uncover novel insights into the pathophysiology of PD and identify potential therapeutic targets to address the disease’s debilitating effects on neural communication.”
Subhan Ullah
[email protected]
PhD Student
“With a background in immunology, my current research focuses on immunology-driven mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. I aim to uncover how immune responses contribute to PD progression and explore potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate neuronal vulnerability and degeneration.”
Zebang Chen
PhD Student
Zebang Chen is a Ph.D. student at the University of Georgia. He earned his master’s degree in Biological Engineering from UGA. He formally joined Dr. Zhang’s lab in October 2025. His current research focuses on dopaminergic neurotransmission and dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. His current research focuses on dopaminergic neurotransmission and dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. Zebang is from Chengdu, China, the hometown of giant pandas. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling and playing tennis. Zebang is from Chengdu, China, the hometown of giant pandas. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling and playing tennis.
Paige Sobczak
Undergraduate Student
Paige joined the lab in the Summer of 2023. She is a 3rd year student in Morehead Honors College pursuing a degree in Biomedical Physiology with the intention of attending medical school after graduation. She is currently studying the effect of Rab12 on ciliogenesis in astrocytes and cholinergic interneurons in the brain. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, and running.
Grace Douglas
Undergraduate Student
Grace is a second-year student who joined the lab in the fall of 2023. She volunteers at Piedmont Hospital and Athens Humane Society. She enjoys cooking, running, and weightlifting in her spare time. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Physiology and plans to attend medical school after she graduates.
Isabella Mercer
Undergraduate Student
Isabella is a third-year student who joined the lab in Summer 2024. She is studying to obtain her degree in Genetics and intends to pursue medicine after graduation. She is a volunteer medical assistant at Mercy Health Center and on the executive board of the American Medical Women’s Association. In her free time, you can find her cooking, running, or painting.
Zachary Dennis
Undergraduate Student
Zach joined the lab in the Fall of 2024. He is currently a 3rd year undergraduate student at the University of Georgia studying Biomedical Physiology, with a minor in Spanish. He intends to pursue medical school after his time at UGA. In the lab, he is studying age-related changes in microglia within the striatum. Outside of the lab, he enjoys working out, playing sports with friends, and being apart of many campus organizations.
Juan (Alex) Subiry
Undergraduate Student
Alex is a 3rd year undergraduate student who joined the lab in the fall of 2024. He is majoring in biomedical physiology and intends on attending medical school after graduation. His research focuses on mitochondrial trafficking deficits accompanying LRRK2 mutation. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing guitar and going to the gym.
Breanna Tran
Undergraduate Student
Breanna is a second-year CURO student at the University of Georgia, studying Biomedical Physiology with a minor in Chemistry. She joined Dr. Zhang’s lab in the fall of 2024 and is currently working on a project about the effects of LRRK2 mutations on neurogenesis in the primary cilia of the brain. She is a Team Leader for Volunteers Around the World, serves on the executive board of the Minority Student Science Association, and is a Chemistry Learning Assistant. Breanna hopes to change the world through her research and by becoming a physician. Outside of academia, she enjoys running, visiting coffee shops, and spending time with her friends and family.
Ritesh Kujuluva
Undergraduate Student
Ritesh is a first year student who joined the lab in Spring 2025. He is currently involved in AMSA, Regenerative Bioscience Undergraduate Society, and enjoys playing guitar, playing basketball, and sim racing in his free time. He is currently majoring in Regenerative Bioscience with a minor in Public Health and plans to attend medical school after he graduates.
Matthew Denius
Undergraduate Student
Matthew Denius is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Georgia pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Cellular Biology. His academic interests include neurodegenerative disease, neuroscience, and the cellular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. He aspires to pursue an MD/PhD and a career that combines clinical medicine with biomedical research.
Jiun (Andrea) Jeong
Undergraduate Student
Andrea is a fourth-year Biomedical Physiology student at the University of Georgia who joined Dr. Iris Zhang’s lab in the summer of 2026. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running, lifting, shooting, spending time outdoors, and staying active with her two dogs. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a PhD. In the lab, Andrea investigates how mutations in the LRRK2 gene can disrupt mitochondrial function, increase oxidative stress, and alter cellular processes that may contribute to dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
Yashmith Kondaveeti
Undergraduate Student
Yashmith Kondaveeti is a second-year undergraduate researcher who joined the lab in Fall of 2025. He is majoring in Biomedical Physiology with a minor in Spanish and intends to go to medical school to become an emergency medicine doctor. His research focuses on synaptic transmission in PD models of the LRRK2 and SJ1 genes. In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball and volleyball with his friends and traveling the world.
Aidan W. Pierce
Undergraduate Student
Aidan is a third-year Morehead Honors College student pursuing a degree in Biology with the intention of attending medical school after graduation. Outside of lab, he enjoys playing guitar, running, and cooking.
Josh Walker
Undergraduate Student
Josh is a second-year student who joined the lab in the Spring of 2025. He is pursuing his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and plans to attend medical school after graduation. In his free time, he enjoys music, playing sports and video games, and working out.
Open positions
Join Our Dynamic Research Team!
Exciting Opportunities for Postdoctoral Fellows
Are you ready to push the boundaries of scientific discovery? We’re looking for brilliant postdoctoral researchers to join our vibrant team. If you’re passionate about neuroscience and have a keen interest in mitochondrial dynamics or neurodegenerative diseases, we want to hear from you! Please submit your curriculum vitae and the names of three references to: [email protected]
Ph.D. Candidates: Start Your Journey Here
Aspiring Ph.D. students, please ensure you visit the links below for detailed application requirements and to understand more about our cutting-edge research programs: Home
Opportunities for Current Ph.D. Students
Are you looking for a lab rotation? Our lab offers a stimulating environment where you can gain valuable experience and insight into groundbreaking research. We welcome current Ph.D. students to join us and contribute to our ongoing projects.
Undergraduate Students: Seize the Opportunity to Research with Us
We have openings for dedicated undergraduate students eager to embark on a research adventure. If you are motivated and ready to commit, our lab offers a rich learning environment where you can actively participate in groundbreaking research. Step into the world of scientific discovery and start shaping your future!
