Lab Culture
In our lab, research is never just a job, nor is it something we simply get through each day. We are genuinely excited about discovery, passionate about every project, and deeply fascinated by the brain. We are obsessed with the questions we seek to answer and the problems we want to solve—and we will never stop until we find the answers.
Our work is highly challenging and demands complete focus, dedication, and determination. The only way we can succeed is by building a team of like-minded individuals who share this drive.
En Yang
Assistant Professor in Systems and Computational Neuroscience
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,USA
Postdoc in Systems and Computational Neuroscience
HHMI, Janelia Research Campus,USA
Postdoctoral Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University, USA
M.S. in Instrument Science and Technology
Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China
Jiahe Zhang
PhD student
Jiahe studied life sciences at Northwestern University in China and went to Shanghai Jiao Tong University to complete her master’s degree. She focused on the function of visual circuits in selective attention during her master’s studies. After graduating, she went to UNC to pursue her Ph.D. degree. She is interested in exploring the cognitive process of learning and memory. In her free time, she enjoys shooting films, listening to music, playing the electric guitar, and traveling.
Millen Nguyen
PhD student
I am a student studying in Dr. En Yang’s lab within the department of Quantitative Biology at UNC-CH. My work focuses on mapping the behavior of larval zebrafish, aiming to explore neural networks associated with learning and cognition. With a background in cellular biology and fish behavior, I am passionate about advancing knowledge in behavioral neuroscience. When I’m not with the fish, I enjoy playing volleyball, writing, and hiking. Open to collaborations and discussions in computer science, behavior, neuroimaging, and more!
Shuyang Yao
PhD student
Shuyang received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Peking University in 2023, where he studied the spatial navigation system in mice’s brains. After two years as a RA at PKU, he joined Dr. En Yang’s lab through the QBio Program at UNC-CH in Fall 2025. Driven by a desire to reveal conserved computational mechanisms underlying memory and navigation, Shuyang is excited to conduct research based on zebrafish. Beyond research, he enjoys a variety of hobbies, including soccer, badminton, photography, playing the violin, and traveling.
Andreas Miller
Research Technician
I received my bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in neuroscience from Carleton College. My specific interests in the field are everywhere, but I hope to pursue a PhD in neuroscience in the future. I’m always eager to learn more about different intersections between CS and the brain. In my spare time, I enjoy soccer and track and I’m crazy about weightlifting. However nothing gets my blood pumping like a bad day on a Pokemon nuzlocke.
Neha Ramesh Varrier
Undergraduate Researcher
Neha Varrier is a sophomore at UNC, majoring in Quantitative Biology with minors in Data Science and Chemistry. She is deeply interested in exploring the neural mechanisms that enable the brain to distinguish between positive and negative stimuli, particularly in the contexts of learning and memory. Outside of her research, Neha enjoys playing the violin, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and hitting the tennis courts in her free time.
Gabriela Gisele Barros
Undergraduate Researcher
Gabriela Barros is a junior at UNC majoring in Neuroscience and Computer Science with a minor in Chemistry. She is interested in understanding the cognitive brain functions involved in the brain’s construction of a model of the outside world. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, spending time in nature, and trying new foods!
Nicholas MenzelNicholas Menzel
Undergraduate Researcher
Hello! My name is Nick Menzel and I am a UNC sophomore biology major minoring in public policy and chemistry. I am an out of state student from Littleton, Colorado and enjoy spending my time outdoors, playing soccer, skiing, hiking, and camping. I also listen to a large variety of music and love going to music festivals with my friends! I am interested in learning more about situational learning and behavior in organisms, along with the neuroscience underlying mental health illnesses.
Andrew PhanAndrew Phan
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a senior at UNC studying Neuroscience and Biology. My interest is in applying computational and statistical methods to understand the complex higher cognitive functions of the brain – an area where I hope to pursue a PhD in the future. Outside of research, I love lifting heavy weights, eating, and troubleshooting baking recipes.
Join Us! The lab is looking for Post-docs, graduate students, and technicians.