The Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, part of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, at the Indiana University School of Medicine offers students broad, interdisciplinary training in neuroscience with a strong foundation in core concepts, skills, methodologies and advanced comprehension of the scientific literature.
Lab: Liana G. Apostolova, MD, MS
Research Project: My research is interdisciplinary research that bridges the predictive performance of the deep learning approach to the identification of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) genetic risk factors to develop clinical studies for personalized preventive medicine. I am currently developing a novel deep learning model to map the entire epistatic interactions of AD for an individual. One of the goals of our research lies in revealing the robust associations between the genetic dynamics of AD to its progression. These include the rate of cognitive decline and changes in cerebrospinal fluid protein levels. Furthermore, we aim to go beyond traditional research boundaries by conducting a computational CRISPR simulation. This simulation involves replacing an individual's genetic variant at a specific locus with a reference genome to predict the likelihood of AD occurrence if CRISPR technology were implemented. In essence, our research not only offers insights into the genetic dynamics of AD but also has the potential to revolutionize the development of personalized preventive medicine strategies.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? IU School of Medicine, specifically its Med Neuro program, represents the ideal setting for interdisciplinary research, particularly in collaboration with the field of computer science. With the support of the interdisciplinary culture at IU School of Medicine, I will be able to create cutting-edge deep learning model for studying Alzheimer's Disease.
Awards/Honors:
- KASBP-MOGAM fellowship
- AAIC 2023 travel awards
- Center for Neuroimaging travel awards
- Stark Neuroscience fellowship
Hobbies: Transcribing literature (scientific articles, non-fictions, novels, poems, etc.)
Undergraduate Institution: Franklin College
Lab: Jason Meyer, PhD
Research Project: iPSC-Based modeling of glaucoma-linked neuroinflammation driven by genetic risk variants in retinal cells.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? Med Neuro has provided an exceptional platform to continue my exploration of science in a collaborative and supportive environment. My passion for neuroscience began during my undergraduate studies, and I found the Indiana University School of Medicine the perfect institution to focus the lens in both my studies and research pursuits.
Awards/Honors
- First Place Poster Award, Heartland Vision research Symposium (2024)
- Travel fellowship, Indiana University School of Medicine (2025)
- Travel Award, ISER/BrightFocus (2025)
Hobbies: Music, movies and exercise
Undergrad Institution: University of North Florida
Lab: Donna Wilcock, PhD
Research Project: Gamma wave stimulation as a non-invasive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? The IU School of Medicine Med Neuro program has some of the best labs and research in the Alzheimer’s disease field, which is my primary interest in neuroscience! Additionally, the highly collaborative spirit of the IU School of Medicine internally and with other institutions (Eli Lilly, for example) makes learning all the facets of neuroscience readily available.
Hobbies: Weightlifting, reading, and gardening!
Undergraduate Institution: Montana State University, Bozeman
Lab: Andrew Saykin, PsyD, and Kwangsik Nho, PhD
Research Project: Modeling cardiovascular risk and cerebrovascular pathology in Alzheimer's Disease multiethnic populations using single-cell transcriptomic and neuroimaging
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? Med Neuro allowed me to explore my scientific interests and join a lab that ultimately best suited my career development and research trajectory. The program administration remains available for all my queries, questions, and concerns and has always been a source of reassurance to me as I tackle each hurdle that comes with a doctoral degree. Additionally, I have been fortunate to find Med Neuro faculty/mentors who are invested in my academic, personal, and professional goals and inspire me to attain them.
Awards/Honors:
- 2023-2025 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Health Equity Scholar Program (ADNI HESP) predoctoral fellowship ($96,000)
- 2022-2023 Paul & Carole Stark Neurosciences Fellowship
- 2024 Women's History Month Award: Celebrating Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- 3 Minute Thesis competition winner at IUPUI and People's Choice Award ( $700, "Heart & Brain Tango: Unmasking Alzheimer's Secrets")
- Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Initiative (ACI) Student Fellow
- IMPACT Indiana Founder and President and Research America! Civic Engagement Microgrant Program awardee
- Women in Neuroscience (WIN) career development awardee
- Elected as Sigma Xi Associate Member: selected as a 2023-2024 Associate member of Sigma Xi Research Honors Society by IUPUI faculty and received a monetary award for outstanding achievement in research
Hobbies: Hiking and outdoor adventures
Undergraduate Institution: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Lab: Brittany Needham, PhD
Research Project: A gut-derived metabolite disrupts intact myelin structure and alters myelin macromolecule composition
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I chose the Med Neuro program for its exceptional student community and administrative support system. Stark also has excellent core facilities which furthers my work through easy collaborations. My coursework and administrative guidance have streamlined every requirement outside of the lab, making the non-research aspects of my PhD feel seamless and easy to anticipate.
Undergraduate Institution: Stockton University
Lab: Shannon Risacher, PhD, and Andrew Saykin, PsyD
Research Project: MINDful Eating for Brain Health: Unraveling the Relationship Between the MIND Diet and Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? Supportive and friendly faculty and staff, state-of-the-art neuroimaging equipment and facilities, incredible funding track record, and many funding opportunities!
Hobbies: Weightlifting, hiking, playing with my dog Harley
Undergraduate Institution: Western Washington University
Lab: Shannon Risacher, PhD, and Andrew Saykin, PsyD
Research Project: My research projects focus on understanding the association of head injury with Alzheimer’s disease using multimodal neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers, genetics, and clinical cognitive testing. The goal of my work is to describe how head injury may contribute to neurodegenerative changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and offer critical insight into risk factors of neurodegeneration that can be targeted to lessen dementia risk.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I majored in neuroscience as an undergraduate student, so I knew when coming to graduate school that I would continue in neuroscience. I was particularly drawn to IU School of Medicine because of the wealth of Alzheimer’s disease research here, as well as the excellent neuroimaging facilities and ongoing clinical research studies.
Awards/Honors:
- IUPUI Graduate University Fellowship
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute T32 Training Grant on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Hobbies: I love to read, and I’m always on the hunt for excellent sci-fi! My favorite books that I’ve recently read are Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. I also really enjoy going to see performances by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Lab: Gary Landreth, PhD
Research Project: Defining the VDAC2 interactome as a link between altered microglial metabolism and AD progression.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I had heard of Stark Neurosciences Research Institute while I was at IUPUI and knew about a lot of the research they were doing, so I was interested in Med Neuro early on in undergrad. I chose the IU School of Medicine because there wasn't another school that I knew would push me as far as the Med Neuro program. I knew I liked Indy as a place to live already and every interaction I had with the students and faculty was positive, so I was confident that I would become the best scientist I could be here. The IU School of Medicine has many opportunities that you really can't get anywhere else and a community that inspires me to be better than I was yesterday, and that's really all I can ask for.
Undergraduate institute: Ulster University
Lab: Bruce Lamb, PhD
Research project: My research focuses on genetic variants that modify Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Specifically, I am interested in glial communication and the integrity of the neurovascular unit and blood-brain barrier during neuroinflammation. My project centers on PLCG2, an enzyme predominantly expressed in microglia that is implicated in immune signalling. Human genetic studies have identified both a protective (P522R) and a risk (M28L) variant of PLCG2 with divergent pathological outcomes in AD. I aim to elucidate the role of PLCG2 in microglia-astrocyte interactions and its impact on neurovascular dysfunction in AD. Ultimately, This research will deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PLCG2’s function in AD pathology and help position it as a promising therapeutic target.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I chose the IU School of Medicine Medical Neuroscience program because of my strong interest in neuroinflammation and neurovascular biology in the context of neurodegenerative disease. These areas are actively and extensively studied within the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute. I was immediately impressed by the cutting-edge research being conducted and the spirit of open collaboration across labs. What stood out even more was the supportive and engaged faculty and staff, who are genuinely invested in both the scientific and personal growth of the students in the program. The environment felt like the ideal place to pursue my research and long-term career goals.
Awards/ Honors: IU Indianapolis Graduate University Fellowship (August 2024 – July 2025)
Hobbies: Reading, baking, hiking, and playing soccer
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University Bloomington
Lab: Jeff Dage, PhD
Research Project: Determining a Mechanistic Role for GFAP isoforms in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I have known about Stark and the Med Neuro program since I was an undergraduate at IU. Neuroscience has been a long-standing interest of mine since before my undergraduate years, but Stark offered a unique focus on neurodegeneration specifically, while also allowing us to study multiple other disciplines of science through the IBMG program.
Awards/Honors:
- T32 Training Grant on Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s Related Dementia; NIH Funded Institutional Training Grant; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, 2024
- IUPUI Honors Graduate School University Fellowship; Indiana University School of Medicine - Graduate Division, 2023
Hobbies: Hiking, Camping, Skiing
Undergraduate Institution: Monterrey Institute of Higher Technology
Lab: Cristian Lasagana-Reeves, PhD/Jungsu Kim, PhD
Research Project: Microenvironmental Heterogeneity and Tau as a Therapeutic Alternative in AD with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? Med Neuro let me develop the areas that I wanted to develop for my career; the environment was full of collaboration and the faculty is invested in your success.
Awards/Honors:
- 2023, Poster Presentations First Place: Stark Summer Science Symposium
- 2022, Paul and Carole Stark Neuroscience Fellowship — Granted by the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute
- 2021-2023, Fulbright-García Robles Scholarship for Graduate Studies in the U.S. — Granted by the U.S. Mexico Commission (COMEXUS).
- 2019, "Integral Student Award" — Given in recognition to the most outstanding student in the graduating class.
Hobbies: Volleyball, pickleball, painting
Undergraduate Institution: Boston University
Lab: Meichen Yu, PhD
Research Project: Neuroimaging
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? Neuroscience provides valuable insights into understanding and improving daily behavior and performance.
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Lab: Miguel Moutinho, PhD, PharmD, and Brittany Needham, PhD
Research Project: My research in Dr. Moutinho's and Dr. Needham’s labs aims to investigate gut dysbiosis in Alzheimer’s disease, including the neuroprotective role of niacin by modulation of the bacterial enzyme nicotinamidase, PncA.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I was accepted into the Medical Neuroscience Summer Undergraduate Research Program, which introduced me to the research that occurs at the IU School of Medicine. I gained experience working on neurodegenerative disease-related projects and collaborated with multiple labs that introduced me to many faculty members. The dedication of the Med Neuro educational department and faculty members to the success of their students deeply resonated with me. Additionally, the enthusiasm and satisfaction that was expressed by current students reinforced my desire to joint this program.
Hobbies: I love crocheting, reading, being active and learning!
Undergraduate Institution: Nova Southeastern University
Lab: Brittany Needham, PhD
Research Project: My research in Dr. Needham's lab focuses on the impact of gut-derived metabolites on the blood-brain barrier. I am investigating over 200 gut-derived metabolites to understand which gut-derived metabolites cross the blood-brain barrier, are restricted to circulation, or are present and modulate barrier integrity.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I knew that I would be supported by the Med Neuro educational department and the faculty members. Their commitment to student success and the extensive resources available were significant factors in my decision. Additionally, the curriculum allows me to study interdisciplinary neuroscience, enabling me to earn major credits in neuroscience while also taking minor credits in microbiology and immunology.
Undergraduate Institution: Tuskegee University
Lab: Padmanabhan Pattabiraman, PhD
Research Project: Identification of the novel role of targeting G-protein signaling for lowering intraocular pressure
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? As a woman of color and a first-generation college student, I feel the weight of underrepresentation in STEM fields, and this fuels my motivation to enrich my education. At IU School of Medicine, my passion for Medical Neuroscience allows me to deepen my understanding of the functions of the brain and make meaningful contributions to the field of neuroscience. My grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s profoundly influenced my journey, igniting my commitment to conducting research that changes lives. I aspire to create a brighter future in science, inspiring others along the way. Every step I take toward a career in STEM not only furthers my goals but also paves the way for young women to follow.
Awards/Honors: Heartland Vision Research Symposium Best Poster Award 2024
Hobbies: My hobbies include playing the guitar and drums, as well as photography and videography.
Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University Indianapolis
Lab: Jason Meyer, PhD
Research project: Modeling CHARGE syndrome in vitro using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro: I’ve been interested in neuroscience since before my undergraduate years. I started doing research at Stark the summer after my first year of undergrad, and I have loved my time here. From the state-of-the-art facilities to the supportive faculty and staff of Med Neuro, I knew it was the right place for me to continue my studies.
Awards/Honors: IU Indianapolis Graduate Student Travel Fellowship Award
Hobbies: Dancing, reading, and working out
Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Lab: Christopher Lapish, PhD
Research Project: I am currently working at developing a behavioral model in rats for negative urgency as it presents itself in alcohol use disorder. Negative urgency is a form of impulsivity that is induced by strong emotions and is highly correlated with substance abuse disorders such as alcohol use disorder. There currently isn’t a great model for inducing urgency which greatly limits our ability to understand the neurological mechanisms behind it and how we could potentially counteract those to reduce the susceptibility to developing a substance abuse disorder.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? First of all, I really enjoyed the administrative staff. They made me feel very welcome and supported both during my time of choosing a PhD major and during my transition process into the program. I am the most interested and passionate about neuroscience as well which made it an easy choice. I have found the classes to be very educational and straightforward further supporting that I made the right decision.
Hobbies: Reading, bouldering, biking and singing in the shower
Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Fresno
Lab: Yao-Ying Ma, MD, PhD
Research Project: How prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) disrupts the gut microbiome and contributes to long-term behavioral and neurophysiological abnormalities in offspring. A central focus is on how PAE alters the gut-brain axis in offspring, influencing both microbiota composition and synaptic plasticity in brain regions critical for emotion and social dysfunction.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I chose the IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis to pursue my PhD because of its strong commitment to neuroscience research and the collaborative, interdisciplinary environment it fosters. The Stark Neurosciences Research Institute stood out to me as a place where I can train and develop expertise in molecular, cellular and behavioral neuroscience, providing the ideal setting to explore complex brain mechanisms and their clinical relevance. With its advanced resources, renowned faculty and strong translational focus, the institute offers the environment I need to grow as a scientist and contribute meaningful discoveries in neuroscience.
Hobbies: Reading. Writing. Drawing. Watching movie analysis videos on YouTube.
Undergraduate Institution: D.Y Patil University
Lab: Padmanabhan Pattabiraman, PhD
Research Project: To identify the role of Tensin3 in regulating intraocular pressure in the eye.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? The medical neuroscience program at IU School of Medicine is exceptionally comprehensive, offering in-depth coursework that covers all aspects related to the brain — impacting every organ in the body. What sets the program apart is its supportive, student-centered approach. The faculty and staff are approachable and dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment, making it an ideal choice for anyone passionate about neuroscience.
Undergraduate Institution: University of California Davis
Lab: Adrian Oblak, PhD
Research Project: SHIP1 inhibition in microglia using SAA mouse model as a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? The Med Neuro program has a strong group of scientists specializing in Alzheimer's disease, whose work highly aligns with my interests. Besides, the potential opportunities in industry (e.g. Eli Lilly) highlights IU's position as a growing hub for Alzheimer's disease research. Most importantly, the supportive and collaborative IU community makes it an ideal environment for me to thrive and grow as a PhD student!
Awards/Honors: IU Indianapolis University Fellowship Award
Hobbies: Playing the violin and guitar, singing and cooking.
Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Lab: Jungsu Kim,PhD
Research project: Studying the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro: I came here because of the strong neuroscience research conducted here, and the focus on neurodegenerative diseases, which is what I wanted to focus on in my PhD, to bridge bench to bedside as a neuroscientist and neurologist.
Awards/Honors:
- IUPUI University Fellowship
- Paul & Carole Stark Scholar Fellowship
Hobbies: Drawing, writing, cooking
Undergraduate Institution: Tehran University
Lab: Jonathan Flak, PhD
Research Project: My research in Dr. Flak’s lab focuses on understanding how hypothalamic circuits, particularly signals from the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMN), interact with the preoptic area (POA) to regulate energy balance. We are especially interested in the role of PACAP–PAC1R signaling within these pathways and how different populations of POA neurons contribute to the control of metabolism, energy expenditure and body weight. This work establishes a clear framework for identifying brain circuits that can be targeted to develop effective strategies against obesity.
Why IU School of Medicine and Med Neuro? I chose the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program at the IU School of Medicine because of its very supportive environment, the dynamic and progressive research atmosphere, the strong coursework it offers, and most importantly, because I love neuroscience. I believe this program gives me the best opportunity to grow and contribute in a field I truly care about.
Hobbies: Watching movies or going out with wifey.