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Synaptic Plasticity & Memory Lab

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Sajikumar photo

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

  • Investigator Award International Association for the Study of Neurons and Brain Diseases (2024)
  • Fellow, Indian Association of Neuroscience (Since 2023)
  • Teaching Excellence Award (Individual, 2021)
  • Graduate Mentor of the Year (2021)
  • Promoted to Associate Professor (2019)
  • Young Neuroscientist Award, Singapore Neuroscience Association (2017)
  • Faculty Research Excellence Award, NUS (AY2016/2017)
  • Attended the 61st Nobel Laureate Meeting, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany (2011)
  • Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany (2010-2012)
  • Post-doctoral fellowship, German Research Foundation (DFG) (2009)
  • Best Ph.D student, Otto-Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany (2005)
  • "Summa cum Laude" for Ph.D thesis, Otto-Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany (2005)
  • Ph. D Fellowship, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Germany (2002-2005)
  • Junior Research Fellowship, Defense Research Development Organisation, Delhi, India (2000-2001)
  • 1st rank for M.Sc Physiology, University of Calicut, India (2000)

Wong Lik Wei photo

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)

Sheeja Navakkode photo

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.

Ang Ruixia Sheila photo

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 photo

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 photo

Saranya Jayapragas
PhD student (since 2021)

My interest lies in investigating links between C-C chemokine receptors 5 (CCR5) in Alzheimer’s disease in the hippocampal region CA1. My research focuses on the effects of CCR5 on synaptic plasticity and associative plasticity and the molecular mechanisms involved in mediating these processes. This could help broaden our knowledge of the role of chemokines in the brain and whether it might be considered a viable option to rescue memory impairments in Alzheimer’s disease. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, and browsing the library.

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

Kevin Chua photo

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

Highly traumatic episodes experienced during adolescence often result in heightened anxiety and depressive behaviour, among other neuropsychiatric conditions, in adulthood. I am currently investigating the potential restorative effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and its implications in CA2 synaptic plasticity in the juvenile-stressed condition. When I am not in the lab, you can find me practicing the drums and incorporating science-based techniques to create delicious food!

Ramesh photo

Ramesh Nishika
FYP Student (since Aug 2023)
While sleep is crucial for memory, sleep deprivation is an unfortunate reality of today’s world. Melatonin is a hormone that is vital in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. I aim to understand how melatonin could potentially alleviate memory deficits arising from sleep deprivation. When I am not in the lab, you can find me cafe hopping or watching shows.

Samuel photo

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.

Elissa photo

Elissa Sudargo
FYP student (since Aug 2024)
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important for the induction of late-phase long-term synaptic plasticity, yet certain studies suggest their overabundance in brain tissues of Alzheimer’s patients contributes to impaired memory. My project focuses on MMP inhibition as a potential target to rescue memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching movies and playing relaxing video games.

Nurul photo

Nurul Irbah
FYP student (since Aug 2024)
My study explores the role of the p75 neurotrophin receptor in regulating synaptic plasticity in the CA2 region of the hippocampus. The CA2 is a unique area critical for social memory and resistant to typical plasticity mechanisms, while p75 modulates synaptic strength and neurotrophin signaling. Understanding how p75 influences CA2 plasticity could uncover novel mechanisms underlying memory formation and resilience in this specialized hippocampal region. In my free time, I like to watch Korean dramas or go for a run!

Japheth photo

Japheth Yeo
FYP student (since Jan 2025)
The hippocampal CA2 region is associated with the formation of social memory, and LTP is altered during stressful conditions. I aim to investigate the effects on tDCS on social memory in juvenile stress rats. In my free time I enjoy watching films, baking, or searching for new music to review.

Alumni

Graduate Students

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

Research scientist, Iowa University

Mahima Sharma photo
Dr. Mahima Sharma
PhD student (2014-2018)

Post-doctoral researcher, City College of New York

Ananya Dasgupta photo
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

Radha Raghuraman photo
Dr. Radha Raghuraman
PhD student (2015-2019)

Post-doctoral researcher, Columbia University, New York

Amrita Benoy photo
Dr. Amrita Benoy
PhD student (2016-2021)

Post-doctoral research associate, Newcastle University, UK

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

Post-doctoral researcher, Okinawa Institute of Technology, Japan

Yee Song photo
Dr. Chong Yee Song
PhD student (2016-2021)
Postdoctoral fellow (2021-2024)

Zaki photo
Dr. Mohammad Zaki Bin Ibrahim
PhD student (2020-2024)

Post-doctoral associate, Temple University, Philadelphia

Research Staff

Suma Gopinadhan photo
Suma Gopinadhan
Laboratory technologist
(2012-2016)

Neo Sin Hui photo
Neo Sin Hui
Research assistant
(2013-2016)

Dolly Krishnan photo
Dolly Krishnan
Research associate
(2015-2017)

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

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

Senior Research Scientist, University of Pittsburgh, USA

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

PhD student, MIT

Dr Cai Cheng Yun photo
Dr. Cai Cheng Yun
Visiting Scholar
(2023)

Anoop Manakkadan photo
Wang Zijun
Honours student (2020-2022)
Research Assistant (2022-2024)

PhD student, Trinity College Dublin

Undergraduate Interns

Christine Liwang photo
Christine Liwang
(2013-2014)

Chia Kim Leng Jason photo
Chia Kim Leng Jason
(2013-2014)

Lee Yuan Zhe photo
Lee Yuan Zhe
(2013)

Yeo Xin Yi photo
Yeo Xin Yi
(2013)

Sean Yeow Qing Zhang photo
Sean Yeow Qing Zhang
(2013)

Nuralyah Razali photo
Nuralyah Razali
(2014-2015)

Muhammad Hakim Bin Talib photo
Muhammad Hakim Bin Talib
(2014-2015)

Lim YuJia photo
Lim YuJia
(2015-2016)

S. Mitra Devi photo
S. Mitra Devi
(2015-2016)

Niha Ather photo
Niha Ather
(2017-2018)

Nithya photo
Nithya
2017-2018)

Goh Cai Shan photo
Goh Cai Shan
(2017-2018)

Wong Win Lee  Edwin photo
Wong Win Lee Edwin
(2017-2018)

Javen Lee Tze Han photo
Javen Lee Tze Han
(2017-2019)

Loh Kar Jun photo
Loh Kar Jun
(2018-2019)

Lin Wei photo
Lin Wei
2017-2018)

Mohamad Hakim B Mohamad Z A photo
Mohamad Hakim B Mohamad Z A
(2019)

Ng Lu Yi photo
Ng Lu Yi
(2019-2020)

Ti Kai Liang photo
Ti Kai Liang
(2019-2020)

Nicholas Koh photo
Nicholas Koh
(2020-2021)

Emmil Ong photo
Emmil Ong
(2021-2022)

Christine Lim photo
Christine Lim
(2021-2022)

Foo Tun Min photo
Foo Tun Min
(2023)

Cheyanne Heng photo
Cheyanne Heng
(2023)

Sabrina Tsang Hui photo
Sabrina Tsang Hui
(2023-2024)

Marcus Cheung photo
Marcus Cheung
(2023-2024)

Chris photo
Christopher Tay
(2023-2024)

Omkar photo
Omkar
(2023-2024)

Ally photo
Ally Chng
(2024)

Attachment Students

Erdem Unsal photo
Erdem Unsal
(2013-2014)
Karolinska Institute, Sweden

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

Connor Gmehlin photo
Connor Gmehlin
(2015-2016)

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

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

Victoria Dawson photo
Victoria Dawson
(2017)
University of Toronto, Canada

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

Sumit Roy photo
Sumit Roy
(2019)
SRM Institute, India

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

Akshaya Rajan photo
Akshaya Rajan
(2020)
SRM Institute of Science & Technology

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

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

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

Dakshinnaah Paalu photo
Dakshinnaah Paalu
(2022)
Singapore Sports School, Singapore

Coco Wang photo
Coco Wang
(2022)
UWC South East Asia, Singapore

Yuanhe Ma photo
Yuanhe Ma
(2022)
University of Toronto, Canada

Eleni Pinzon photo
Eleni Pinzon
(2022)
Cornell University, USA

Ruwaydah Ibrahim photo
Ruwaydah Ibrahim
(2022)
University of Toronto, Canada

Liu Yutong photo
Liu Yutong
Victoria Junior College, Singapore

Huang Yimin photo
Huang Yimin
Hwa Chong Junior College, Singapore

Anagha Mangadu Omanakuttan  photo
Anagha Mangadu Omanakuttan
(2023)
University of Calicut