Chemical
Neuroscience
Laboratory
Xiaotang Lu
Principal Investigator
Xiaotang received her PhD in Materials Engineering under Prof. Brian Korgel at the University of Texas at Austin. She then conducted her postdoctoral training in neuroscience with Prof. Jeff Lichtman at Harvard University before joining the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2025. She is passionate about functional nanostructures, including those in the brain. She is supported by the NIH BRAIN Initiative K99 award.
Dylan Ye
Graduate Student in Chemistry
B.S. in Chemistry and Computer Science, Rutgers University
Ying-Ling (Lynn) Chu
Visiting Graduate Student
PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (Dr. Guan-yu Chen Group)
Kai Tsuei
Graduate Student in Chemistry
B.S. in Chemistry, Biological Chemistry,
Minor in Neuroscience, University of Chicago
Mumu Fang
Research Technician
B.S. in Physiology & Neurobiology, Psychology,
University of Connecticut
Savannah Guo
Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. (expected 2026) in Community Health, Health Administration and Planning
Moses Chua
Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. (expected 2026) in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Lab Values
- Diverse Minds for Science -
Our lab is founded on the belief that diversity and inclusivity is key to scientific innovation. Just as our brain is composed of diverse cell types forming functional circuits, our lab thrives on the contributions of people from various backgrounds. We value innovation and resilience of individuals, and we equally appreciate teamwork in our pursuit of exciting science. Therefore, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community that collectively seeks to push the boundaries of science. Science is challenging and often filled with failed ideas and experiments, but we love it! Through constructive feedback and cooperative learning, we help each other become the best scientists we can be. We welcome talented individuals from all walks of life to join us in our scientific quest.
Resources to check out
Leading Edge. Leading Edge is an initiative to improve the gender diversity of life sciences faculty in the United States by providing women and non-binary postdocs with a platform to present their work, an opportunity to meet and connect with one another, and mentorship and career development training from world leaders in biomedical research.
Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program (CBIT). The program, funded in part by a Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Service Award from the National Institutes of Health, provides training to selected graduate students to enhance their studies at the chemistry and biology interface.