People

Assistant Professor, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology 

Michigan Neuroscience Institute

Single Cell Spatial Analysis Program, Biosciences Initiative

Affiliate Faculty, Department of Biomedical Engineering

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2019)

B.Eng., Tsinghua University (2013)

Biological Sciences Scholar (BSSP) by University of Michigan (2022)

MIT Spot Award (2022)

MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 (TR35) China (2021)

Bioengineering Rising Star Speaker by Princeton University (2021)

J. Douglas Tan Postdoctoral Fellow (2020)

McGovern Graduate Fellow (2018)

MIT Presidential Fellow, Irwin Mark Jacobs and Joan Klein Jacobs (2013)

Enjoys brewing coffee, hiking, music, and science!

Email: linghu@umich.edu

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

My scientific journey is punctuated with fresh starts as part of my pursuit for new challenges. After completing my Ph.D. study in the subcellular localization of Sprouty proteins at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (Singapore), I joined Prof. Kun-Ping Lu’s lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to study neurodegeneration mouse models using biochemistry and immunohistochemical approaches. Subsequently, I worked with Prof. Jean Paul Thiery’s lab in Singapore to study neural crest and cranial bone development. This piqued my interest in bone formation, which led me to Prof. Shuying Yang’s group at University of Pennsylvania. There, I studied the primary cilia, IFT20 and bone cell alignment. Before joining Dr Linghu lab, I was working on the transcranial ultrasound stimulation of mouse brain cells in National Taiwan University. I am currently interested in developing and applying technologies to analyze cellular dynamics.

Email: jormayl@umich.edu

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

With a deep curiosity for the neural system, my scientific journey started with electrophysiology, utilizing patch clamp to record neuronal activities. Then I soon realized that understanding neuronal networks requires a broader perspective and shifted to microscopy, particularly live cell imaging which allowed me to observe multiple neurons simultaneously. Specifically, I focused on engineering voltage sensors, aiming to decipher neuronal electrical activities directly with high accuracy. Now I wish to expand my observation to a diversity of cellular signals across space and time. Outside the lab, I enjoy swimming, reading detective fiction and playing jigsaw puzzles.

Email: sdongqin@umich.edu

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Lirong Zheng received his Ph.D. degree in Physics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, in 2023. Throughout his Ph.D. program, he delved into the design and engineering of proteins, as well as the biomacromolecule structure and dynamics. His primary research focuses on protein design and engineering for live-cell interfacing.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Lirong enjoys a balanced lifestyle. He appreciates the subtle nuances of various coffees and engaging games on SWITCH. Interestingly, he finds unique pleasure in interacting with nature, specifically through feeding small animals like cats and dogs. Observing these creatures partake in their meal brings him a sense of fulfillment, adding a serene joy to his personal life.

Email: zhenglirong1993@gmail.com

Visiting Undergraduate Student

I am a fourth-year undergraduate from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, majoring in Biomedical Science. Before visiting Dr. Linghu's lab, I have been working on projects on synthetic biology and neural circuits, and I learned basic skills in molecular biology and neuroscience techniques for mice. Having a broad curiosity and enthusiasm for science, I am interested in interdisciplinary fields such as employing novel biotechnologies for neuroscience research. I enjoy communicating and collaborating with people from different backgrounds. And I love using emoji…😝

Email: yixiaoy@umich.edu

Undergraduate Lab Specialist

Emily Klyder is a junior pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biomolecular Science. She has a keen interest in understanding both the small components and large systems that transport information within the brain. She enjoys learning languages on Duolingo, strumming an acoustic guitar, and volunteering her time at various non-profit organizations.

Email: eklyder@umich.edu