Tuan Leng Tay, Dr. rer. nat.
Group Leader & Principal Investigator
"Everyone who associates with our group should have the time of their lives doing Science. Leveraging on a very supportive research environment, I hope to help each of us achieve our absolute potential. Be fearless and pursue your own unique dreams."
#rigour #quantitative #readpapers #gratitude #womeninstem #bloodsweat&tears #eatfood
Scarlet, G.S.P. (2007–2024)
in memoriam
HR Manager, Health Officer, Timekeeper, Security Guard & Spiritual Leader (2019–2024)
"I provide therapy when experiments are challenging. I run outdoor project meetings and soft skill workshops. I attend every lab meeting and teach classes. Free time? What is free time? Grants and papers are written in my sleep."
#realboss #wirschaffeneszusammen #buerohund #maus #wassertrinken
Amritha Manjally
B.Eng. Biotechnology, M.Sc. Neuroscience
PhD Candidate, Neurobiology, BU (From Sep 2021; expected graduation Sep 2026)
Research Assistant, Uni Freiburg (Jun 2020–Mar 2021)
MSc Neuroscience Student, Uni Freiburg (Jul 2019–May 2020)
"I have a Masters degree in Neuroscience from the University of Freiburg. I will be pursuing my graduate studies in the area of neuroimmunology. I am interested in studying microglial cells both in vitro and in vivo in the context of neurodegeneration. I am motivated to acquire new skills in the field of neuroscience, imaging, bioinformatics, and data analysis. In my free time, I love to sketch, paint and draw comic strips for fun."
Danielle Beason
BS Biomedical Engineering
Remote Researcher (From May 2025)
Undergraduate Researcher (UROP), Bachelor Student, Biomedical Engineering, BU (Sep 2024-May 2025)
Work-study Programmer, Biomedical Engineering, BU (Sep 2022-May 2024)
"I am particularly interested in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and materials science. I hope to one day pass the PE exam for Chemical Engineering! In my free time, I practice yoga and read the extensive Dune series."
Chenkai Yao
BS Biomedical Engineering, MS
Remote Researcher & Programmer (From Jun 2023)
Senior Design Bachelor Student, Biomedical Engineering, BU (Sep 2022-May 2023)
"I’m interested in computational biology, bioinformatics, and clinical devices. I hope to integrate my programming skills and research experience to improve the analysis tools of the lab."
Chenkai graduated from BU in the spring of 2023 and is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree at Imperial College London, UK.
Monica Iordanov
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Neuroscience, BU (From May 2024)
Work-study Lab Administrator, BU (Sep 2023-May 2024)
"I am an undergrad student at BU studying neuroscience with a minor in biology on the pre-health track. I am interested in delving into the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and gaining research and lab experience. In my free time I enjoy swimming, travelling, and hanging out with friends."
Abigail Fowler
BS Microbiology, Iowa State University
PhD Candidate, Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics (GPGG), BU (From May 2024)
Graduate Rotation Student, 1st Year PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS), BU (Jan-Feb 2024)
"I received my BS in Microbiology at Iowa State University with a minor in Global Health. My previous research focused on nerve regeneration utilizing stem cells and biopolymer scaffolds. I am currently interested in the neuroimmune system and its relation to neurodegenerative disease."
Jonathan Park
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, BU (From Apr 2025)
"I am an undergraduate student at BU studying Human Physiology with a minor in Business on the pre-med track. I’m particularly interested in understanding neurodegenerative diseases and how they affect brain function across the lifespan. Through this research experience, I hope to build a strong foundation in neuroscience as I work toward a future in medicine and research. Outside the lab, I participate in club cross country and track, and I enjoy drawing/painting and cooking in my free time."
Ema Yamashita
Remote Researcher (From May 2026)
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Biology, BU (Jul 2025–May 2026)
"I am an undergraduate student studying Biology with a specialization in Neurobiology at BU on the pre-med track. I am especially interested in exploring and investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying immune response and recovery in neurodegenerative diseases. Outside, I enjoy travelling, hiking, snowboarding, and trying new things."
Maximillian Cheval
B.A. Biology, Boston University ('25)
M.S. Biology (Neurobiology) Student, BU ('27) (Since Sep 2025)
"I am highly interested in processes surrounding neurodegeneration and the mechanisms within the brain. I aim to explore the areas outside of my general scope of knowledge. Outside of school, I love listening to music, reading, and playing games."
Noor Al-Farsi
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Neuroscience, BU (Since Jan 2026)
"I am on the pre-health track, intrigued by neurodegenerative diseases and all the mechanisms on how the brain combats these challenges. I am super excited to develop and apply my lab skills and techniques to be an effective researcher!"
Caitlyn Santosa
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BU (Since Apr 2026)
"I am an undergraduate student on the pre-med track. I am particularly interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which glial cells contribute to recovery of neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, trying new cuisines, and doing pilates."
Alumni
Tamara Ritter
B.Sc., M.Sc. Biology
Research Assistant, Uni Freiburg (Mar 2019-Jan 2020)
Tamara started her new full-time position at the CellGenix headquarters in Freiburg in February 2020.
Denis Veil
Industrial Engineer, B.Sc. Computer Science
Research Assistant for Bioinformatics and Programming, Uni Freiburg (Apr 2019–Mar 2021)
"I am interested in everything where technology is involved." Denis has completed his second Bachelor degree in Computer Science with a focus on software development, information retrieval, and bioinformatics. He is currently a full-time civil servant.
Matteo P. Petrich
B.Sc. Biology, M.Sc. Biology
Intern/Research Assistant for Neurosurgery, Uni Freiburg (Nov 2019–Mar 2021)
MSc Biology student, Uni Freiburg (Jun 2020–Mar 2021)
Matteo was promoted to Project Team Leader at PharmaLex in Germany in the fall of 2021.
Patrick Campbell
B.Sc. Physics
MSc Neuroscience student, Uni Freiburg (Oct 2019-Jan 2020)
Vandana Shree Vedartham Srinivasan
B.Tech. Biotechnology
Research Assistant, Uni Freiburg (Jan-Mar 2020)
Vandana has completed the MSc Neuroscience programme at the University of Freiburg and will begin PhD training at the University of Strasbourg in 2022.
Gerardo Sequen Rivera
B.S. Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Masters Rotation Student, Anatomy & Neurobiology, BU (Feb-May 2022)
Tina Chen
Summer Work-study Intern, Bachelor Student, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BU (Jun-Aug 2022)
Katherine He
RISE BU High School Intern (Jul–Aug 2022)
Zoe Malone
UROP Bachelor Student, Neurobiology, BU (Feb-Dec 2022)
Zoe graduated in the fall of 2022. She is currently a research assistant at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Yuyang (Kevin) Kang
Senior Design Bachelor Student, Computer Engineering, BU (Sep 2022-May 2023)
Kevin graduated in the spring of 2023 and will go to graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Emily Kraft
B.S. Physiology & Neurobiology and Psychology
Lab Manager/Research Assistant, BUSM (Aug 2022-Jul 2023)
Emily has enrolled in the Anatomy and Neurobiology PhD programme at the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (Fall 2024).
Sofia Guerra
Remote Volunteer Researcher (Aug 2022-Jul 2023)
RISE BU High School Intern (Jul–Aug 2022)
Sofia is on gap year and will begin college at MIT in the fall of 2024. Congratulations, Sofia!
Chaitanya Reddy
RISE BU High School Intern (Jul–Aug 2023)
"I am interested in how inhibiting the Tau protein, while combating neurodegeneration, can affect the stability of microtubules. While at the Tay Lab, I hope to drastically improve my knowledge and use of laboratory techniques. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, cello, and going to the gym."
Chaitan has been accepted by Duke University for 2024! Congratulations, Chaitan!
Ellie Choi
RISE BU High School Intern (Jul–Aug 2023)
"I am interested in meningeal lymphatic vessels and their possible role in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. I’m looking forward to learning new research techniques and gaining valuable experience during my time in the Tay lab. In my free time, I like to sing, play volleyball, and play the cello."
Ellie will be attending Princeton University in 2024! Congratulations, Ellie!
Jonathan Yoshihara
Remote Summer Researcher (Jun-Aug 2023)
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, BU (Sep 2022-May 2023)
"I am interested in our research on neurodegenerative diseases and I hope to gain practical lab experience. In my free time I like to cook, play the saxophone, and find new shows to watch."
Jon Jon was hired as Research Associate at Cedars-Sinai in LA, California, in April 2024. Jon Jon has started a new position as Research Associate at Programmable Medicine, LLC in July 2025.
Krupa Sampat
Masters Student, Bioinformatics, BU (Bioinformatics Master Summer Internship Programme, BMSIP, Jun-Aug 2023)
"My interests lie in genomics and computational biology. My hobbies include painting and reading."
Krupa graduated from the Bioinformatics Master programme in the fall of 2023 and is interested in a position in the industry. She holds the position of Bioinformatics Analyst II at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas since February 2024.
Angel Hoo
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Neuroscience, BU (Sep-Dec 2023)
"I am interested in neurology, psychiatric processes, and studying the relationships of the body with the brain. I hope to further develop my knowledge on lab skills and the brain in my time in the Tay lab. I also love cooking and drawing in my free time."
Kristen Harder
B.Sc. Cell and Molecular Biology
Graduate Rotation Student, 1st Year Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB) PhD, BU (Nov 2023-Jan 2024)
"I have a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology from the University of Rhode Island. I am interested in cell and molecular neuroscience and neuroimmunology, especially in the context of stress and neurological and psychiatric disease. In my free time, I like gymnastics, biking, and painting."
Elif Ozsen
Graduate Rotation Student, 1st Year Neurobiology PhD, BU (Nov 2023-Jan 2024)
"I received my BA in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University in 2022 and I am a current graduate student in Boston University’s Neurobiology Ph.D. program. I am largely interested in investigating the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of how microglia function in both healthy and diseased conditions. Additionally, my goal is to gain more experience in the field of neurotechnology development. In my free time, I love to paint, watch basketball, and go bouldering/rock wall climbing."
Victoria Guarino
Graduate Rotation Student, 1st Year Cell & Molecular Biology PhD, BU (Jan-Mar 2024)
"My research has primarily focused on cardiovascular research, specifically investigating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) induced in rat models through monocrotaline (MCT) administration. Throughout my scientific career, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse array of model organisms, ranging from zebrafish to butterflies, mice, rats, and even the fruit fly. I'm really excited to see where my love for science and my experiences during my rotations will take me in the Cell and Molecular PhD program."
Clifton Johnson III
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Neurobiology, BU (Jul 2022-May 2024)
"I am interested in translational and clinical neuroscience and improving our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time I like to work out, play basketball, and watch movies."
Clifton graduated in the spring of 2024 and has been accepted by the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine at Boston University.
Jason Zeng
Work-study IT Support & Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Neurobiology, BU (Aug 2022-Aug 2024)
"I am an undergraduate at BU with a concentration in neurobiology and a secondary in computer science. I am interested in the implications of computer science in neurobiology. I hope my time in the Tay Lab allows me to gain practical laboratory and research experience. In my free time I daydream about becoming a chef and I love to go to the gym."
Jason Zeng will begin his new position as In Vivo Pharmacology Research Associate I at Biocytogen after graduation in Spring 2025.
Nyomi Inda
Work-study Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Electrical Engineering, BU (Aug 2023-Aug 2024)
"I am studying electrical engineering. I am interested in the crossroad between medicine and engineering, I am specifically interested in concussions research and disorders in the brain. In my free time I read, crotchet, and listen to podcasts."
Nyomi has signed on to kickstart her career with Schneider Electric after her graduation in Spring 2025. Congratulations!!
Jonathan Leach
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Neuroscience, BU (Nov 2023-Dec 2024)
"I am interested in clinical neuroscience specifically furthering our understandings on addiction in the brain, and neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time I like to go to the gym, read, cook, and hang out with friends."
Jonathan graduates in the Fall of 2024 and has a job lined up at Columbia University Medical Center. Good luck to one of our most productive undergraduate researchers!
Kristina Spencer
Undergraduate Researcher, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program at BU (Jun–Aug 2025)
"I am an undergraduate student from Kean University studying Biotechnology with a concentration in molecular biology. I have worked in Drosophila labs since beginning my undergraduate research experience however my scientific interest spans beyond that singular species. I have an interest in learning from different species and noting different biological differences and similarities to humans, in order to better understand how the world at large works and came to be. Outside of the lab I enjoy thrifting, vintage shopping, bouquet making, and cooking for those I love."
Ouzéna Bouadi, PhD
B.Sc. Biology, M.Sc. Neuroscience, PhD in Biology
PhD Candidate, Neurobiology, BU (Sep 2021–Aug 2025)
Joint Master of Neuroscience Intern/MS thesis, Uni Freiburg (Feb 2020–Aug 2021)
"After starting my university training in medical school, I received my B.Sc in multidisciplinary biology in 2019 (France/Canada). I joined the Tay Lab during my M.Sc in Neuroscience and majored in neuroimmunology (France/Germany). My research interest concerns glial interactions within the brain. I am currently studying long-term microglial and astrocytic responses to various brain injuries and in different experimental models. In my free time, I like drawing/painting and hiking!"
Ouzéna begins her new position as Scientific Applications Lead at Panluminate in New Haven, CT in September 2025.
Daisy Liljegren
B.S. Health Science, Boston University (‘24)
M.S. Biology (Neurobiology) Student, BU (Jan–Dec 2025)
"I am interested in studying the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, learning, and memory. My MS research will investigate the dynamics of the microglial response to amyloid beta plaques and tau pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease. Outside the lab, I’m a member of BU’s cross-country and track teams. In my free time I like to read and sketch."
Daisy starts her new position as Neurology Research Assistant at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the lab of Dr. David K. Simon Lab in May 2026. She will focus on identifying molecular therapeutic targets and developing pharmacological treatments to intervene with Parkinson's Disease progression.
Kristin Haroldsdottir
B.S. in Biological Sciences, University of Delaware (‘25)
Graduate Rotation Student, 1st Year Neurobiology PhD, BU (Sep-Oct 2025)
"I received my B.S. in Biology at the University of Delaware with a minor in Chemistry. My undergraduate research focused on analyzing potential small molecule inhibitors of the pro-tumor metalloproteinase ADAM9. In my graduate research, I aim to uncover molecular mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease. Besides human health and wellness, I am passionate about dessert and the outdoors!"
Mohd Freezely Ezzani Bin Mazri
B.S. in Forensic and Investigative Sciences, B.S. in Biology, West Virginia University ('19)
M.S. in Biology, West Virginia University ('22)
Graduate Rotation Student, 1st Year Neurobiology PhD, BU (Feb-Apr 2026)
"I received a B.S. in forensic science and biology focusing forensic biology and plant genetics. I further pursued a M.S. in Biology to understand the role of serotonergic modulation of olfactory neurons in Drosophila melanogaster to understand the effects of neuromodulation on olfactory circuits. In the Tay lab, I am interested in studying the molecular mechanisms and imaging techniques to analyze microglia. I love martial arts and to be outside exploring nature through hiking, foraging, and fishing."
Jiratchaya Thanayangyuen (Janice/Maprang)
B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst ('24)
M.S. Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology) Student, BU (Apr 2025–May 2026)
"I want to create a supportive and fun environment while gaining research experience. Outside of the class, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing."
Anish Krishna
Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering, BU (Sep 2025–May 2026)
“I am particularly fascinated with the structure and function of the brain and seeing how engineering methods can help reveal its complexities. My hobbies include traveling, working out, and reading.”
Arnaldo Bisbal López
Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering, BU (Sep 2025–May 2026)
“I am interested in nanostructure applications in neuroengineering, as well as tissue engineering. For fun, I like to play guitar, weightlift, and play pool.”
Camila Aragón Alfaro
Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering (Nanotechnology concentration), BU (Sep 2025–May 2026)
“I am interested in applying engineering principles to uncover the nanoscale architecture of the brain. Outside the lab, I enjoy graphic design, creative writing and dance.”
Kelly Falcón
Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering (Robotics concentration), BU (Sep 2025–May 2026)
“I am into CAD, control, and signal/image processing to better understand organs. I also love the arts, community-building, reading, and cozy TV nights.”
Rita Thammakhoune
Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering (Robotics concentration), BU (Sep 2025–May 2026)
“I have a special interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Outside of academics, I am involved in an Asian-interest sorority and I am passionate about ceramics, art, and fashion.”
Aidan Kieffer
Undergraduate Researcher, Bachelor Student, Neuroscience, BU (Dec 2024–May 2026)
"I have a particular interest in the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in diseases and chronic brain injury. Outside the lab, I’m a member of the BU men’s soccer team. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and teaching myself guitar."
Aidan starts graduate school with the Georgetown University Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience in July 2026.
