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! 

Patrick Rafael 

Research Technician

Patrick grew up in Maysville, North Carolina and later moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, where he earned his bachelor’s in Psychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from Virginia Tech. After working in a human-subjects research lab and a Neuropharmacology wet lab, he moved to DeKalb, Illinois, where he studied Statistics at Northern Illinois University and earned his master’s degree in the Fall of 2023. 

Patrick aspires to one day become an academic researcher and run a laboratory of his own, as well as teach statistical methods to undergraduate STEM students. In his free time, he enjoys reading Cormac McCarthy, playing video games, watching films and working out.

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!