Research Topics

Development, Neurobiology, Signal Transduction, Synaptic Transmission

Disease Research Interests

Neurological and Behavioral Disorders

B.S. 2002 National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
M.Sc. 2004 National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
Ph.D. 2009 University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Postdoc 2010-2014 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Molecular mechanisms underlying excitability homeostasis and synaptic plasticity in health and disease

An imbalance in neuronal and synaptic excitability is a common abnormality observed in patients with various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. The dysregulation of excitability is thought to exacerbate disease symptoms. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of excitability could reveal novel therapeutic targets for these diseases. To achieve this goal, we utilize various approaches including molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, electrophysiology, and mouse genetics to understand the regulation of excitability homeostasis at synaptic, neuronal, network and system levels, and how the deficits of those affects behavior in the disease.

2020 James and Maxine Heath Excellence in Teaching Award
2019 Arnold O. Beckman Research Award
2016 - 2022 Teachers Ranked as Excellent
2015, 2018 NARSAD Young Investigator Award
2014 Simons Foundation Autism Initiative-Explorer Award
2011 National Research Service Award (NRSA) from NIH
2011 Meritorious Award at Postdoctoral Symposium at UTSW
2010 Dr. Marvin and Hadassah Bacaner Research Award, University of Minnesota
2008 Veneziale-Steer Research Award, University of Minnesota
2008 Milne Brandenberg Graduate Research Award, University of Minnesota

Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
423 Burrill Hall
407 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801