lab members

AIQUN LI, PhD Associate Professor (Research)

Aiqun’s research focuses on validating novel targets for Alzheimer's disease using stem
cells, CRISPR systems, and next-generation sequencing. He joined the Brennand lab in
October 2017 and currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of
Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Aiqun
obtained his B.S. and M.S. in Medicine from Nanjing Medical University, followed by a
Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
He completed his postdoctoral training at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Prior to his role at Mount Sinai, Aiqun worked as a Staff Scientist for the NYSCF-Golub
Stem Cell Research Initiative for Parkinson's Disease at NYSCF, where he later
became an NYSCF Investigator. He was the recipient of the P&G Award, the Shanghai-
Unilever Research & Development Fund, the Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia &
Parkinson's Foundation Research Grant, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation Lucien
Côté Early Investigator Award, the New York Community Trust Grant, the Michael J.
Fox Foundation (MJFF) Target Validation Pilot Award, the Friedman Brain Institute (FBI)
Research Scholar, and the Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG) award. In
his spare time, he enjoys participating in sports activities.

(photo credit: Yang Xiao, PhD)

P J MICHAEL DEANS, PhD Associate Research Scientist

Michael’s research focuses on modelling the additive and synergistic impact of common genetic variants associated with schizophrenia. His work combines human stem cell-based models, CRISPR platforms and advanced imaging techniques to better understand the complex genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disease.

Michael joined the Brennand lab in the Summer of 2018 as a postdoctoral fellow. He previously earned his BSc in neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh in 2011 and a master’s degree in neuroscience with a specialisation in developmental neurobiology at King’s College London in 2012, graduating with distinction. He went on to complete a PhD in neuroscience research in the neuronal circuits and neurodevelopmental disease lab at KCL, studying the functional role of a schizophrenia-linked protein (ZNF804A) in the development of neuronal morphology and maintenance of synapses. Outside of the lab Michael enjoys hiking, reading literature and poetry, visiting museums and observing the flora and fauna of New York.

XI XIAO, PhD Postdoctoral Associate

Xi is studying how glucocorticoid, a hormone associated with the etiology of psychiatric disorders, impacts the functions and common variants of glia. She is interested in how these risks impact neural function in psychiatric disorders. Her work combines human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived glia models, massive parallel reporter assays, and imaging techniques.

Xi joined the Brennand Lab in August 2022 as a Postdoctoral Associate. She earned her PhD in zoology from Nankai University, studying the mechanisms of depression and schizophrenia using various behavior assays, in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, and cellular and molecular assays in mice models. Outside of the lab, she loves cooking, traveling with her family and friends, and trying new foods.

LIANG YANG, PhD Postdoctoral Associate

Liang’s research focuses on evaluation of functional phenotypes following with rare genetic risks in neurodevelopment disorders. She combines transcriptomic, electrophysiological approaches and imaging-based strategies to assess and deconvolute the genetic impact of neural phenotypes.Prior to joining Brennand Lab, Liang received her PhD from Yale University. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, hiking and jogging with her family and friends. And she loves her doggie, Juno.

DAVIDE CAPAUTO, PhD Postdoctoral Associate

Davide joined the Kristen Brennand lab as a postdoctoral associate in October 2023. In 2018, he earned his Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, where his research focused on unraveling the roles of coding and non-coding RNAs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

In June 2019, as a postdoctoral associate in Flora Vaccarino's lab at Yale, Davide studied Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using iPSC-derived cerebral organoids. Employing cutting-edge transcriptomic and epigenetic technologies such as single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq, he delved into understanding the mechanisms occurring in ASD. His investigations extended to the study of potential enhancers during early neurodevelopment stages, utilizing the massively parallel assay (MPRA) during brain organoid differentiation.

In the Brennand lab, Davide's current focus lies in examining the impact of environmental toxicants potentially involved in neurodevelopmental disorders using iPSC-derived brain organoids as well as neuronal and glial cell lines. Leveraging advanced genetic techniques like CRISPR and MPRA, he also seeks to investigate the effects of genetic variants in genes and non-coding regions associated with neurodevelopmental disorders during the early phases of brain development.

Outside the lab, Davide loves practicing sports, especially soccer, running in East Rock Park in New Haven, and reading thriller books.

TZU-CHIEH HUANG, PhD Postdoctoral Associate

Tzu-Chieh’s research interests center on neuroimmunology. Since joining Dr. Brennand’s lab in 2023, Tzu-Chieh has focused on the impact of neurodegenerative disease risk genes on glial cells, particularly microglia and astrocytes. Her current project involves using iPSC-derived microglia to investigate the role of APOE variants in Alzheimer’s disease.
Before joining Dr. Brennand’s lab, Tzu-Chieh trained in Dr. David Pitt’s lab at Yale, where she employed spatial proteomics, specifically highly multiplexed imaging, to study the spatial localization of distinct microglia subpopulations and their correlation with the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Outside the lab, Tzu-Chieh is a coffee enthusiast, always on the lookout for the best pumpkin spice latte in town.

SADAF GHORBANI, PhD Senior Researcher (Visiting Research Faculty)

Sadaf received her Master of science in Medical biology (2011-2013) as well as her PhD degree (2018) from University of Bergen, Norway. During her PhD, Sadaf studied the cross-talk among signaling pathways and the role of chaperon proteins that regulate the biosynthesis of dopamine neurotransmitter through phosphorylation modification. Sadaf started her postdoc position at Haukeland University Hospital, Norway (2019) and moved to Brennand lab in July 2021 to continued her position as an exchange researcher.  Sadaf is investigating the mechanisms with which the specific rare variants, associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, disrupt the protein-protein interaction network and subsequently lead to abnormal neuronal function and maturation. Her work employs hiPSC derived 3D model (cortical organoids and assembloids), single-cell RNA expression, multielectrode array, BioID, and imaging techniques. Sadaf finds new hobbies every other day so it is hard to say what is keeping her busy this month, but she is consistence in Tango and organizing events for Yale Postdoc association.

NOVIN BALAFKIN, PhD Senior Researcher (Visiting Research Faculty)

Novin's primary research focus is on utilizing CRISPR screens to identify common cellular and molecular signatures among different rare de novo variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). He uses pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens, human stem-cell models, and single-cell based approaches to assess the impact of NDD risk genes during the early stages of brain development. His ultimate goal is to understand the complex molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuropsychiatric disorders and develop precision medicine approaches that can improve the stratification of treatment for patients.

He received his PhD from the University of Bergen, Norway, in 2018, where his focus was on modeling mitochondrial disorders using hPSC. Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding and expertise in modeling more complex disorders, Novin transitioned to the field of neuropsychiatry for his postdoc. Currently, Novin is a senior researcher at the Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway, and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie scholar at the Brennand lab since 2021.

His life outside the lab… Just kidding! Look again, he must be in the lab :)

THANH THANH NGUYEN Postdoctoral Fellow

Thanh Thanh Nguyen is a postdoctoral fellow in the Reilly and Brennand Labs. She is interested in applying functional genomics to understand genetic risks underlying neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, and the various contexts under which such risks can manifest. Thanh Thanh completed her PhD in Molecular Pharmacology at the Mayo Clinic, where she utilized a wide range of “-omic” techniques to dissect the interface between non-coding genetics and epigenetics in determining individual responses to drugs and the chemical environment. Born in Moscow, Russia and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, she left to the U.S. to pursue further educational opportunities and intellectual freedom. Fortunate enough to have come across wise and dedicated mentors along her journey, she deeply values mentorship in academia and understands how impactful it can be.

Outside of the lab she loves cooking, baking, and spending time in nature and with her family and friends. To her, every ordinary moment can turn extraordinary.

MICHAEL B. FERNANDO PhD  

Michael is studying how splice isoforms of NRXN1 alpha, a key pre-synaptic cell adhesion molecule, impacts neuronal function and transmission. Michael is particularly interested in NRXN1 alpha interactions with post synaptic ligands, and how these interactions are perturbed in aberrant NRXN1 alpha isoforms in neuropsychaitric patients. Michael is using a combination of transcriptomic, proteomic and electrophysiological strategies to evaluate how aberrant NRXN1 alpha isoforms contribute to deficits in neural activity. 

Michel joined the Brennand lab in the spring of 2019 and is co-mentored by Paul Slesinger, PhD. He is currently a 3rd year PhD candidate in the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience. Michael received his B.S. in Biology with Honors from St. Thomas University in 2017. In college, he studied the regenerative mechanisms of TBI and SCI injured zebrafish. Outside of the lab, Michael is a volunteer Co-President of MiNDs, enjoys exploring the city and trying new foods!

CARINA SEAH, MS MD PhD

Carina is an MD PhD student in the Brennand and Huckins labs interested in gene-environment interactions and the genetic architecture of complex diseases. She is using computational genetics approaches and stem cell validation models to study genetic and environmental perturbations in complex psychiatric disorders.

Carina completed her undergraduate degree in Human Biology and master’s degree in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California while working in the lab of Dr. Justin Ichida studying novel therapeutic approaches for ALS. Outside of lab, Carina loves listening to RadioLab, weightlifting, drinking oat milk matcha lattes, and trekking all the way to Raku in the East Village for the best udon in the city.

SARAH WILLIAMS PhD Candidate

Sarah is a PhD Candidate in Mount Sinai’s Neuroscience program, co-mentored by Drs. Nan Yang and Kristen Brennand. Her research is focused on the cell-type specific and activity-dependent impacts of non-coding genetic variants identified in autism and other psychiatric disorders using stem cell-derived neurons. Sarah started her PhD at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Fall 2020 after completing her B.S. in Biochemistry at Northeastern University. While in Boston, she worked with Drs. Jordan Smoller and Richard Cummings studying the role of glycosylation in schizophrenia biology based on results from genome-wide association studies. Outside of lab, Sarah spends her free time reading and exploring all of NYC’s museums, live shows, and antique shops.

KAYLA G. TOWNSLEY  (B.S.) PhD

Kayla is a Mount Sinai Neuroscience PhD student in the Brennand Lab and Huckins Lab (Mount Sinai) interested in genomic and epigenetic interactions that confer susceptibility to the development of complex psychiatric disorders. Kayla approaches these domains through computational genetics and downstream validation in patient stem cells using high-throughput screening techniques. 

She completed her undergraduate at Portland State University in Molecular Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Art. Before arriving at Sinai, she worked as a research assistant in the Ozburn Lab at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) studying the molecular underpinnings of Alcohol Use Disorders and the role of circadian rhythms in addiction. Outside the lab, Kayla spends her time organizing in her communities and working to make STEAM fields pro-Queer and pro-BIPOC.

JOY LEE PhD Candidate

Joy is a Genetics PhD student in the Brennand Lab and the Cotsapas Lab at Yale. Her research focuses on the investigation of common variants in neurodegeneration and microglia development. Joy is currently validating putative causal variants through the use of fine-mapping and high-throughput screening techniques, as well as employing multi-omics analysis in microglia. 

Joy completed her undergraduate degree in Life Science at National Taiwan University. Prior to Yale, she worked in Dr. Peter Chi’s lab to study the mismatch tolerance of DNA recombinant protein in meiosis. Outside of lab, Joy is a member of the Yale Camerata Choir and Yale Danceworks. She also actively engages with student groups for internationals, Genetics students, and women in science. Plus, Joy loves food.

MATIAS MURILLO PhD Student

Matias is a neuroscience (INP) PhD student in the Brennand Lab and Cafferty Lab at Yale. His current research focuses on spinal cord injury and repair, in particular development and repair of the corticospinal tract. He is interested in understanding the molecular changes that happen during development, in adulthood after injury, and how to revert or enhance some of those changes to promote axon regeneration and ultimately functional recovery.

Matias obtained a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Western New Mexico University. Before coming to Yale, he was a Post-Baccalaureate Fellow at Northwestern University, where he studied the neural mechanisms underlying motor impairments post stroke, and the use of biomaterials, as well as iPSC-derived neurons to model traumatic brain injury. In his free time, Matias likes playing tennis, board games, cooking, and traveling.

JASMINE LEE PhD Student

Jasmine is a Genetics PhD student in the Brennand Lab and the Huckins Lab at Yale. She is interested in understanding the genetic regulatory architecture of neuropsychiatric diseases using both computational approaches and human induced pluripotent stem cell models.

She completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cell Biology at University of California, Berkeley. Before coming to Yale, she worked in Dr. Paul Wolters’ Lab at University of California, San Francisco, exploring the molecular changes of human donor lungs across the lifespan and understanding the pathogenesis of IPF. Outside of lab, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with her cats.

EMILY WERTHEIMER PhD Student

Emily Wertheimer is a PhD student in the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program where she is co-mentored by Dr. Kristen Brennand and Dr. Ifat Levy. Emily is interested in leveraging genetic, stem cell, and neuroimaging techniques to investigate the relationship between metabolism and behavior, particularly in instances of eating disorders and obesity. Before beginning the INP, Emily completed a post-bacc in the Levy Decision Neuroscience Lab and a BS in neuroscience and music at Trinity College. Some things she enjoys (even more than brains!) include: hiking, CrossFit, reading, music, dogs, and being outside.

APRIL PRUITT PhD Candidate

April Pruitt obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in May 2020, graduating summa cum laude. Currently, April is a PhD candidate in the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program and the Medical Research Scholars Program at Yale. She is a Kavli Institute for Neuroscience Scholar, Autism Science Foundation Predoctoral Fellow, and a recipient of the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship. April studies the effects of estrogen on brain development in the context of genetic forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. When she’s not in the lab, April takes and teaches dance classes, reads the cheesiest romance novels, and eats chocolate ice cream.

OVAUN LATOUCHE PhD Student

Ovaun is a PhD student in the Genetics Department who joined the lab in March 2023. He is co-mentored with Steven Reilly. He is interested in understanding the genetic architecture of neurodegenerative diseases.

Ovaun completed a Bachelor’s in sociology from Stony Brook University, and then a Master’s in biology from NYU in 2020. At NYU, he worked in the laboratory of Dr. Hernando-Monge, where he developed a novel piggyBac genome editing system to introduce point mutations in melanoma in vitro models. He then worked as a Research Associate in the laboratories of Panos Roussos and Kristen Brennand at Mount Sinai, where he utilized pooled CRISPR screens and hiPSC-derived stem cells to study gene regulation in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Outside of the lab, he enjoys biking and board games.

ALFRED KIBOWEN Postgraduate Associate

Alfred joined the Brennand Lab in October 2023 as a postgraduate associate working with Michael Deans, PhD. Michael’s work uses human stem cell-based models, CRISPR platforms and advanced imaging techniques to better understand the complex genetic underpinnings of psychiatric risk. In Michael’s current project, Alfred utilizes these approaches in the context of the gene-environment interaction, investigating the combined effect of cannabis exposure and schizophrenia gene risk on cellular and transcriptomic readouts. Alfred graduated with a B.A in Neuroscience from Amherst College in 2023. Here, he completed a senior honors thesis that utilized primary neuronal monolayers to investigate the role of dysfunctional synaptic proteins in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, Alfred functionalized a methodology for the tracking of neuroligin3, a trans-synaptic protein linked with ASD. Since then, Alfred has developed a passion for drug addiction neuroscience, following personal experiences of drug misuse in his family. Alfred was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and intends to pursue a PhD in neuroscience in the US in order to contribute to efforts in science empowerment and psychiatric research at home. He especially hopes to contribute the understanding of drug addiction there. Outside of the lab, Alfred is an active member of the Catholic and African communities on campus. He also really enjoys eating food.

STEPHEN MAURER Undergraduate Student

Stephen is an undergraduate majoring in Neuroscience at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. He is interested in research that utilizes human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to model neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders to gain a deeper understanding of these conditions and to uncover innovative treatment methods for a wide range of debilitating human diseases. Stephen is currently assisting Dr. Novin Balafkan in the Brennand Lab, where they are studying neurodevelopmental risk genes suspected of hindering neuronal development and neurogenesis. Outside of the lab, Stephen enjoys volunteering as an assistant director at a local art gallery and exercising at a CrossFit gym.

JARED F. KING, MS Lab Manager

Jared is a dedicated lab and data manager for the Brennand Lab. With a strong background in systems neuroscience, he obtained his Master of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. During his time there, Jared engaged in fascinating research projects focused on unraveling the intricate neural correlates of autism, odor processing, and olfactory navigation in the brain. He has earned numerous awards, including departmental honors for his research and is an alumni of the McNair Scholar’s Foundation.

Following his graduate studies, Jared continued to expand his expertise as a Research Associate in the Waxman Lab, affiliated with the Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research at the Yale School of Medicine. In this role, he contributed to cutting-edge investigations exploring various aspects of pain behavior and spasticity following spinal cord injury. When he is not working, Jared enjoys creating works of art, such as painting, drawing, leatherwork, and bronze sculpture. He also enjoys various martial arts and creative writing projects.