Associate Professor Sreedharan Sajikumar
Principal Investigator (Since August 2012)

Dr. Saji received his M.Sc degree in Physiology at the University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2000. After working for a short while in the Defense Research Development Organization in Delhi he moved to Germany for studying the cellular mechanisms of long- term memory. He began his doctoral studies at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, in the laboratory of Prof. Frey, to study the fundamental mechanisms of memory using LTP and LTD as a model. After completing his PhD, Dr. Saji joined Prof. Martin Korte’s lab at Braunschweig, where, using multi-electrode approach he studied the role of metaplasticity in maintaining long lasting plasticity in dendritic compartments. In 2012, he moved to Singapore to start his own lab in the Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore. His laboratory is interested in understanding how information is physically stored in the brain, and how pathological and environmental factors influence the establishment and persistence of long-lasting memory.

Besides research, Saji is a passionate chef, experimenting and creating fusion of different cuisines. His signature dish is almond chicken, a fusion of Indian and European culinary sensibilities. He also enjoys recreational fishing.

Awards

• Teaching Excellence Award (Individual, 2021)
• Graduate Mentor of the Year (2021)
• Promoted to Associate Professor (2019)
• Singapore Neuroscience Association (SNA) young neuroscientist award (2017)
• Faculty Research Excellence Award, NUS (AY2016/2017)
• Attended the 61st Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany (26 June to 1 July 2011) Nominated by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, 2010 July-2012 June.
• DFG (Germany) Post-doctoral Fellowship (2009)
• Best Ph.D student award from Otto-Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany (2005)
• Awarded “Summa cum Laude” for Ph.D thesis, Otto-Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany (2005)
• Defense Research Development Organisation (DRDO) Junior Research Fellowship (2000-2001) Delhi, India
• Awarded 1st rank for M.Sc Physiology from the University of Calicut, India (2000)

Dr. Wong Lik Wei
Group leader ( Aging and Memory; since 2021)
Instructor (Dept. Physiology; since 2021)
Senior Postdoctoral fellow (2019-2021)
Postdoctoral fellow (2016-2019)

The p75 receptor is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily which plays several significant roles, ranging from apoptosis to synaptic plasticity in the nervous system. My study aims to elucidate a possible role of p75 receptor signalling in neuroplasticity changes underlying sleep deprivation.

If I ever catch a break, I indulge myself watching and reading documentaries on current affairs and history. If not, I would go out for a jog or a hang out with friends.

Awards

• Recipient of Swee-Liew Wadsworth Intra-departmental Grant (2023)
• Recipient of Swee-Liew Wadsworth Concept Grant (2016 and 2021)
• Outstanding Mentor Award for Research Fellows (2020)

Dr. Chong Yee Song
Postdoctoral fellow (since 2021)
Graduate student (2016-2021)

Amygdala is part of the limbic system and is known to process emotional memory especially relating to fear and anxiety. It had been shown in numerous studies that basolateral amygdala (BLA) involves in modulating synaptic plasticity in hippocampus. The mechanisms underlie these modulation processes are still unclear. This rises our interest to study the effect of priming amygdala on the synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 region in horizontal brain slices, and the underlying molecular mechanism.

I am also interested in examining the effects of juvenile stress on synaptic plasticity in CA2 and CA1 and elucidate the role of SynGAP in mediating any impairments in structural plasticity.

My other project utilises STC to investigate how the properties of PRP capture change across time.

Beyond the lab, I enjoy watching movies, particularly action and thrillers. Besides that, I enjoy reading about history as well as hiking within nature.

Awards

• Recipient of Swee-Liew Wadsworth Grant (2022)
• Recipient Healthy Longevity TRP Young Investigator Grant (2023)

Dr. Sheeja Navakkode
Visiting research scientist (Brian Kennedy Lab; since 2023)

I'm deeply interested in unravelling the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder known for its profound impact on memory. My research focuses on studying the cellular mechanisms and genetic differences that play a pivotal role in how Alzheimer's manifests and progresses.

Additionally, I am equally intrigued by the mechanisms of aging. Aging is characterized by a gradual decline in cellular functions, and it significantly heightens the risk of various age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

During my free time I do read a bit but mostly I spend time with my kids.

Mohammad Zaki Bin Ibrahim
Graduate student (since 2020)

As the function of CA2 in social memory becomes more apparent, what lies ahead is how it exerts its effects on other hippocampal subfields, such as CA1, in the classical role of the hippocampus. Thus, I seek to elucidate how the CA2 can modulate CA1 signalling in electrophysiological and behavioural model, painting a more diverse picture of how memory consolidates.

I enjoy exploring new places and meeting new people. If not lost amid nature, I will be lost in a book, often with coffee nearby and listening to a weird mixture of musical OSTs and pop music.

Awards

• People’s Choice Award for 3-Minute Thesis presentation in Physiology Department’s Pitch Perfect (2023)
• Recipient of Swee-Liew Wadsworth Grant (2022)
• Runner-up for Outstanding Poster Award in Annual SfN SIngapore Chapter (2022)

Ang Ruixia Sheila
Lab Manager (since 2024)
Research assistant (2018-2024)

I perform many important lab house-keeping duties and and oversee the animal husbandry. Additionally, I serve as the lab’s proof-reader.

Besides lab, I keep myself updated with the latest serial dramas. You can find me enjoying a bubble tea while proof-reading or catching up to the news.

Lee Suk Yin
Laboratory officer (since 2016)
PhD student (since 2021)

Via collaborating with an anti-ageing lab, I am interested to examine the role of anti-oxidants in synaptic plasticity in normal and aged conditions.

I aspire to be a food connoisseur, exploring new and interesting places for food. Besides that, I enjoy rock-climbing.

Saranya Jayapragas
PhD student (since 2021)

My interest lies in investigating the role of epigenetics in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease in the hippocampal area CA1. My research focuses on the effects of HDAC inhibition on synaptic plasticity and associative plasticity and the molecular mechanisms involved in mediating these processes. This will help broaden our knowledge on the role of HDAC inhibitors in the brain and whether it could be considered as a viable option to rescue memory impairments in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease.

When I am not in the lab or reading articles related to my work, I am usually engaged in having fun with my family, visiting new places or spending time in the library in pursuit of a nice book.

• Recipient of Swee-Liew Wadsworth Concept Grant (2023)
• Recipient Healthy Longevity TRP Young Investigator Grant (2023)

Wang Zijun
Research Assistant (since 2022)
Honours student (2020-2022)

I am currently investigating and elucidating the properties of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus region. In particular, the role of p75NTR and the effect of aging on hippocampal CA2 region LTD is the focus for my current project. I have also conducted similar studies on the hippocampal CA1 region LTP. More broadly, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms behind memory-related processes, of which synaptic plasticity is a major concept at the cellular level.

In my free time, you can find me attempting to fiddle with some interesting programming tool, enjoying a great interactive story, or fantasizing about a nice dessert to sweeten the day.

Kevin Chua
PhD Student (Since 2023)
Honours student (since 2022)

Often implicated with the reward and motivation pathway, dopamine plays an important part in memory formation in the hippocampus. The CA2 subfield is associated with the formation of social recognition memory among other cognitive functions. I seek to uncover how dopamine modulates synaptic plasticity in the CA2 subfield of the hippocampus through the lens of electrophysiology.
When I am not in the lab, you can find me practicing the drums and incorporating science-based techniques to create delicious food!

Ramesh Nishika
FYP Student (since Aug 2023)
I aim to study the effects of stress on memory. Specifically, my current project focuses on the rac1 molecule, which has been implicated in both LTP and LTD, and its role in synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region.
In my free time, you can catch me watching shows or cafe hopping.

Samuel Joe
FYP student (since Aug 2023)
Ergothioneine (ET) is a sulfur-containing derivative of histidine that cannot be synthesized de novo in humans and animals. Studies indicate that ET is retained in the brain for an extended period, yet its role remains elusive to our current understanding. My research delves into exploring the potential of Ergothioneine in mitigating the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Outside of lab works, I really enjoy playing video game, sim racing, and drinking coffee.

Christopher Tay
I am a Year 2 medical student interested in learning more about neuroscience and the research process. I have been working under Zaki on studying how the CA2 region of the hippocampus can modulate the CA1 region and affect memory plasticity. Through this, I have been learning how to operate electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry procedures.
In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, practicing martial arts and listening to vinyl records.

Omkar
I am a 2nd Year Medical student who is interested in neurobiology as well as expanding my horizons in the field of research. I am currently working under Zaki, investigating the role of the CA2 region of the hippocampus in modulating the CA1 region in the context of affecting memory plasticity. I have learnt more about operating an electrophysiology set up as well as conducting immunohistochemistry related procedures.
I also enjoy playing video games, chess, tennis, and badminton!

Alumni

Graduate Students

Dr. Mahesh Shivarama Shetty
PhD student (2012-2016)

Research scientist, Iowa University

Dr. Mahima Sharma
PhD student (2014-2018)

Post-doctoral researcher, City College of New York

Dr. Ananya Dasgupta
PhD student (2013-2018)
Post-doctoral fellow, University of California, Irvine (2019-2020)
Assistant professor, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur

Dr. Radha Raghuraman
PhD student (2015-2019)

Post-doctoral researcher, Columbia University, New York

Dr. Amrita Benoy
PhD student (2016-2021)

Dr. Maria Vazquez Pavon
PhD student (2019-2022)

Post-doctoral researcher, Okinawa Institute of Technology, Japan

Research Staff

Suma Gopinadhan
Laboratory technologist
(2012-2016)

Neo Sin Hui
Research assistant
(2013-2016)

Dolly Krishnan
Research associate
(2015-2017)

Dr. Anoop Manakkadan
Post-doctoral fellow
(2016-2019)

Dr. Krishna Kumar M.
Senior post-doctoral fellow
(2014-2019)

Senior Research Scientist, University of Pittsburgh, USA

Pang Ka Lam Karen
Honours student, year 4 (2016-2017)
Research Assistant (2017-2020)

PhD student, MIT

Dr. Cai Cheng Yun
Visiting Scholar
(2023)

Undergraduate Interns

Christine Liwang
(2013-2014)

Chia Kim Leng Jason
(2013-2014)

Lee Yuan Zhe
(2013)

Yeo Xin Yi
(2013)

Sean Yeow Qing Zhang
(2013)

Nuralyah Razali
(2014-2015)

Muhammad Hakim Bin Talib
(2014-2015)

Lim YuJia
(2015-2016)

S. Mitra Devi
(2015-2016)

Niha Ather
(2017-2018)

Nithya
2017-2018)

Goh Cai Shan
(2017-2018)

Wong Win Lee Edwin
(2017-2018)

Javen Lee Tze Han
(2017-2019)

Loh Kar Jun
(2018-2019)

Lin Wei
2017-2018)

Mohamad Hakim B Mohamad Z A
(2019)

Ng Lu Yi
(2019-2020)

Ti Kai Liang
(2019-2020)

Nicholas Koh
(2020-2021)

Emmil Ong
(2021-2022)

Christine Lim
(2021-2022)

Foo Tun Min
(2023)

Cheyanne Heng
(2023)

Sabrina Tsang Hui
(2023)

Marcus Cheung
(2023)

Attachment Students

Erdem Unsal
(2013-2014)
Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Jin Xuan Lim (Harold)
(2014-2015)
University College London

Connor Gmehlin
(2015-2016)

Melanie Ramnauth
(2015-2016)
University of Toronto, Canada

Tobias Dierkes
(2015-2016)
Technical University, Braunschweig, Germany

Victoria Dawson
(2017)
University of Toronto, Canada

Nidhi Sharon Das
(2018-2019)
Vellore Institute of Technology, India

Sumit Roy
(2019)
SRM Institute, Inda

Prasad Abraham Riya
(2020)
Vellose Institute of Technology, India

Akshaya Rajan
(2020)
SRM Institute of Science & Technology

Lakshmy Menon
(2020)
Cochin University of Science & Technology, India

Aiswaria Lekshmi Kannan
(2020)
Cochin University of Science & Technology, India

Ryan Rudgee
(2020-2021)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Dakshinnaah Paalu
(2022)
Singapore Sports School, Singapore

Coco Wang
(2022)
UWC South East Asia, Singapore

Yuanhe Ma
(2022)
University of Toronto, Canada

Eleni Pinzon
(2022)
Cornell University, USA

Ruwaydah Ibrahim
(2022)
University of Toronto, Canada

Liu Yutong
Victoria Junior College, Singapore

Huang Yimin
Hwa Chong Junior College, Singapore

Anagha Mangadu Omanakuttan
(2023)
University of Calicut