Rafiq Huda, PhD
assistant professor
wm keck center for collaborative neuroscience
department of cell biology and neuroscience
rutgers university
I was born in the seaport city of Karachi in Pakistan and immigrated to Chicago at the age of 13. I was fortunate to win a transformative scholarship from the Posse foundation, allowing me to attend Carleton College. I majored in Biology and graduated magna cum laude with honors in 2008. That same year, I started my graduate studies with Prof. Marco Martina in the Dept. of Physiology at Northwestern University. I trained as a cellular neurophysiologist and uncovered novel molecular and cellular mechanisms for respiratory regulation by brainstem neurons and astrocytes. I started my postdoctoral work in 2014 with Prof. Mriganka Sur in the Dept. of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. There, I extended my training to systems neuroscience and advanced optical methods for analysis of neural circuits in behaving mice. My work uncovered the function of distinct prefrontal cortex output circuits in perceptual decision-making. I also collaborated with Prof. Ann Graybiel to dissect the function of distinct cell-types in the striatum in reinforcement-based learning.
As a PI, I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive training environment. Please contact me if you are interested in joining us!
Wesley evans, phd
POSTdoctoral associate
phd in neuroscience, tulane university
Dr. Evans is a post-doctoral fellow who joins us from Tulane University, where he trained in neurovascular systems. He brings valuable expertise in 2-photon calcium imagining. In the lab, Wes is studying how astrocyte-neuron interactions in the striatum contribute to movement under basal conditions and in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
CHERISH ARDINGER, PHD
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE
PHD in ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE, INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURdue university indianapolis
Dr. Ardinger is a Rutgers Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow and NIAAA F32 Fellow. She is broadly interested in studying the neurobiological causes of and identifying treatments for addiction. In the Huda lab, her current research focuses on how astrocyte modulation of cell specific striatum circuits contribute to alcohol-related behaviors. Cherish received her PhD from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis working in the labs of Drs. Christopher Lapish and Nicholas Grahame where she studied neural networks involved in alcohol front-loading and binge drinking. Cherish is excited to continue to study the impact of alcohol on brain and behavior using rodent models.
HECTOR ALATRISTE-LEON, PHD
POstdoctoral associate
phd in biomedical science, unam-mexico
Dr. Alatriste is a post-doctoral fellow. He received a PhD from UNAM-Mexico and worked in the Tecuapetlas Lab, where he works with the contribution of the cholinergic system in behavior flexibility. In the Huda Lab, He is interested in studying neuronal-astrocyte relations for the adaptative and flexible control of behavior.
Maxwell Madden, PHD
Postdoctoral Associate
PhD In neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Maxwell is a post-doctoral fellow, broadly interested in how the brain dynamically adapts distributed systems supporting cognition to overcome environmental demands (cognitive or behavioral flexibility). Cognitive deficits appear across a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders and often are strong predictors of life and therapeutic outcomes. In the Huda lab, his research focuses on how acetylcholine signaling in ACC informs behavioral flexibility in a rapid reversal learning task. Maxwell recently received his PhD from University of Maryland School of Medicine in the lab of Brian Mathur. There he studied serotonergic neuromodulation in the claustrum, a brain area that organizes cortical processing to support cortical network formation, using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology.
ESTHER YEASONG KO
PhD Student
BS in Neuroscience, Baylor University
Esther is an international student from South Korea and a second year graduate student in the Huda Lab. Previously, she worked as a research assistant in the Hwa Lab under Dr. Lara Hwa at Baylor University, where she investigated the role of serotonin in binge drinking behavior. In the Huda Lab, Esther is investigating the role of ACC interneurons in modulating autonomic arousal and alcohol drinking using in-vivo two photon imaging. Outside of the lab, she is an avid video gamer, bird watcher, and traveler.
Nancy Collie-Beard
PhD Student
BA in Behavioral neurobiology, CUNY Hunter College
Nancy is a graduate student and NSF GRFP fellow in the Huda lab, obtaining her PhD through the Neuroscience program. Broadly, she is interested in the neural circuitry underlying maladaptive behavior, and how inter-individual differences account for vulnerability to these behaviors. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in Behavioral Neurobiology, and minors in Chemistry and Math. Prior to Rutgers, she worked with Dr. Nesha Burghardt at CUNY Hunter College, studying the neurobiological basis for the development of activity-based anorexia in mice. Her research in the Huda lab explores the role of the ACC as a modulator of behavioral outcomes related to threat processing, and how inter-individual baseline differences may influence coordinated behavior and autonomic response. When she is not in the lab, you can find her rock climbing, watching true crime with her dog, Moritz, or spoiling her nephew, Izzy.
Hunter Wells
SENIOR lab technician
BA in psychology and Neuroscience, Miami University
Hunter Wells is a post-bac lab technician in the Huda Lab. He completed his BA in Psychology and Neuroscience with a minor in French at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. His previous research experience is in behavioral neuroscience with Dr. Matthew McMurray in the McMurray Lab and Dr. Anna Radke in the Reward and Addiction Disorders (RAD) Lab at Miami University. As part of his work in the McMurray Lab, he completed his Psychology Departmental Honors and Honors with Distinction thesis investigating the ability of different compounds found in psilocybin-containing mushrooms to mobilize intracellular calcium. At the Huda Lab, he studies the role of astrocytes in mouse models of Parkinson’s. Hunter plans on pursuing a PhD in neuroscience with a focus on Parkinson’s Disease.
Angelica Vellore
Undergraduate Student
Biomedical engineering, Rutgers University
Angelica Vellore is an undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Engineering and member of the Honors Engineering Academy. With a keen interest in neuroscience, particularly the study of astrocytes, she actively engages in research that bridges the gap between engineering and medicine. Passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, Angelica plans to continue contributing to the field through research and clinical practice.
Cynthia Jacob
Undergraduate Student
Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rutgers University
Cynthia is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with minors in Computer Science and Math. Her research interests lie at the intersection of computational and behavioral neuroscience, with a focus on neuron-to-astrocyte interactions implicated in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s. Outside of the lab, she enjoys thrifting, crocheting, and bingeing sitcoms.
Molly Saunders Lucy
Undergraduate student
Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rutgers University
Molly Saunders Lucy is an undergraduate student studying Cell Biology and Neuroscience. She has a particular interest in neurocircuitry and research related to neurodegenerative disorders. Molly is passionate about medicine and the research behind it, and she plans to pursue an MD/PhD in neuroscience.
ARNAV PATEL
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
CELL BIOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Arnav is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Business Administration. He is interested in studying the effects that alcohol has on signaling pathways within the brain that play a role in addiction. After college, Arnav aims to attend medical school while maintaining his interest in neuroscience research.
George Xanthos
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
CELL BIOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
George is an undergraduate student pursuing a major in Cell Biology and Neuroscience as a member of the SAS Honors Program. He is focused on researching how astrocytes in the striatum influence behaviors related to alcohol use. After college, George hopes to attend medical school while continuing research in neuroscience.
ANANYA GUNDA
uNDERGRADUATE sTUDENT
cELL bIOLOGY & nEUROSCIENCE, rUTGERS uNIVERSITY
Ananya is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology as a member of the SAS Honors Program. Her research interests focus on the study of astrocytes and their role in various alcohol-related behaviors and their overall role in alcohol addiction. After college, Ananya aims to attend medical school in hopes of entering a specialty in cardiology or neurology.
Vyochana Mamillapalli
uNDERGRADUATE sTUDENT
Cognitive Science and Public Health, Rutgers University
Vyochana is an undergraduate student studying Cognitive Science and Public Health through the School of Arts and Sciences. Coming from the Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, Vyochana studied the effects of ethanol on the presynaptic regulation of striatal dopamine release. At Huda Lab, she helps to study ACC interneurons and the neuroprotective role they undertake during inebriation. After undergrad, she hopes to continue contributing to addiction research and pursue a PhD.
Arnav Mohanty
Undergraduate Student
Cell Biology & Neuroscience, rUTGERS uNIVERSITY
Arnav is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology & Neuroscience. He is interested in studying how cholinergic pathways influence the ACC’s role in informing behavioral flexibility and its implications for developing potential treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. After completing his undergraduate studies, Arnav aims to attend medical school while continuing to pursue neuroscience research. Outside of the lab, he enjoys reading, hiking, baking, and playing Brawl Stars.
Mahee Khatri
UNdergraduate Student
Cell Biology & Neuroscience, rUTGERS uNIVERSITY
Mahee Khatri is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Public Health. Her research interest aligns with the study of cholinergic signaling in neurons and their role in cognitive and behavior flexibility. Outside of research, she enjoys baking desserts, reading, and going on long walks. After college, she hopes to attend medical school to pursue a career as a surgeon.
Disha Prasad
UNdergraduate Student
Cell Biology & Neuroscience, rUTGERS uNIVERSITY
Disha is an undergrad majoring in cell biology and neuroscience and minoring in health administration. Her research interests focus on investigating the role of acetylcholine in the brain, particularly its influence on behavioral flexibility and its connections to many neurodevelopmental disorders. Some of her hobbies include running, trying new foods, and listening to music. After graduation, Disha plans to have a career in healthcare.
Isra Razzaq
Undergraduate Student
Biology and Economics, Rutgers University
Isra Razzaq is an undergraduate student double-majoring in Biological Sciences and Economics at Rutgers University. In the Huda Lab, she is interested in how neural circuits modulate behavior, particularly through alcohol-affected brain processes in the ACC. After college, she plans to pursue dental school while continuing to integrate research throughout her career. Outside of the lab, she likes to paint and do henna.
Emaan Qadry
Undergraduate student
Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University
Emaan is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. She is interested in how astrocytic calcium signaling influences neuronal circuitry, particularly in regard to reward-based learning. After college, she wishes to attend medical school while continuing research. Outside of research, Emaan’s interests are working out, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods.
AYESHA BAHL
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
CELL BIOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Ayesha is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. She has previously worked in the Firestein Lab, where her research focused on the roles of guanine deaminase (cypin) and Adenosine Homocysteine Like Protein-1, in neuronal recovery following traumatic brain injuries. At the Huda Lab, she studies the role of the anterior cingulate cortex as a modulator of physiological arousal signals, and the locus coeruleus as a major initiator of arousal read-outs. After undergrad, Ayesha plans to pursue a PhD in neuroscience with a focus on neurodegenerative disorders.
Cian Kelly
Undergraduate Student
Cell Biology Neuroscience, Rutgers University
Cian Kelly is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. His research interests include the study of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying their onset and progression. After college, he plans to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in pediatrics, while continuing research. Outside of the lab, Cian enjoys playing the guitar, writing music, and listening to music.