Principal Investigator
Anju Vasudevan, PhD
Anju Vasudevan, PhD is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Director of the Angiogenesis & Brain Development Laboratory, and Chair/Scientific Director of the Department of Basic/Translational Neurosciences at Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI). Dr. Vasudevan received her PhD degree in Neuroscience from the University of Cologne, Germany and performed postdoctoral work in the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. From 2007-2020, Dr. Vasudevan was a faculty member in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Vasudevan established the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory (ABDL) in 2011, at McLean Hospital. The ABDL moved to HMRI in 2020, and is also known as the Neurovascular Research Program here. Dr. Vasudevan served as the Director of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program from 2020-2022, and created a robust network of talented postdoctoral fellows at HMRI. Dr. Vasudevan’s work on early embryogenesis of the forebrain vascular system, and diversity of endothelial cell populations, has opened up an entirely new conceptual framework from which to view this important component of brain development. Her research focuses on defining new cellular and molecular mechanisms governing brain development and the way it shapes postnatal and adult behaviors. This work has implications for understanding, prevention, and treatment of a variety of nervous system disorders like schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy, developmental delays, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Vasudevan is the recipient of the NARSAD Young Investigator Award, NARSAD Independent Investigator Award and awards from the National Institute of Health.
Apart from science, Anju loves nature and enjoys creative activities.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Kazi Helal Hossain, PhD
Kazi Helal Hossain, PhD is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory in the Department of Basic/Translational Neurosciences at Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI). Dr. Kazi Helal received his PhD degree in Biomedical Science from the Department of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan. His doctoral training focused on investigating the impact of P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide on alteration of gene expression patterns in endothelial cells and its contributions to the pathogenesis of vascular inflammatory diseases. He also studied the morphological and pathological changes of hypertensive brain vessels to understand how hypertension induces the early pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel diseases. During his doctoral studies, he received several scholarships (Honors, Shimane International Center, and Furukawa Scholarship) in Japan. His postdoctoral research focuses on studying the fundamental mechanisms of endothelial GABA and its receptor-mediated signaling during postnatal brain development with the use of genetic models and elucidating new paradigms of neurovascular interactions in the neocortex.
In addition to his research, Kazi Helal loves social work, cooking, gardening, and fishing.
Md Obaidur Rahman, PhD
Md Obaidur Rahman, PhD is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory in the Department of Basic/Translational Neurosciences at Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI). Dr. Rahman received his PhD Degree in Stem Cell Biology from the Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway. Dr. Rahman’s doctoral research focused on the generation of steroid-producing adrenal cells as a potential cell replacement therapy for autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), a rare and life-threatening disorder caused by immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal cortex. Dr. Rahman reprogrammed stem cells obtained from urine into steroid-producing adrenal cells. He successfully derived cells exhibiting key phenotypic and functional characteristics of adrenocortical cells and investigated adrenal cortex proteins targeted by the immune response. Collectively, his findings provide a foundation for the development of cell replacement therapy in PAI. Dr. Rahman’s postdoctoral research focuses on generating human embryonic forebrain-like endothelial cells using human pluripotent stem cell technology. This work will provide transformative insights into the underlying mechanisms, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic strategies for psychiatric disorders.
In his leisure time, Obaid loves hiking, and playing badminton. He also enjoys reading newspapers, and books.
Lab Staff
Xiaomeng Wu, MS
Xiaomeng Wu, MS is a Research Assistant in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI. She received her Master’s Degree in Public Health from Shandong University, China. Her master’s research focused on the analysis of neurotransmitter levels in human CSF and their correlation with disease states. Through literature review and hands-on laboratory experience, she developed a profound interest in the roles of neurotransmitters in brain function, cognition, and aging. She aspires to further explore research topics related to neurochemical signaling and its influence on brain development and neurodegeneration.
In her spare time, Xiaomeng enjoys snorkeling, taking road trips with her family, and watching Chinese dramas.
Students
Emily Abad
Emily Abad is a junior undergraduate student at UCLA and is pursuing a B.S. degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. Emily is a devoted Undergraduate Research Fellow and Volunteer in the Angiogenesis & Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI. With an interest in genetics, Emily is planning to move forward with her education by pursuing a PhD in Genetics or a Masters in Genetic Counseling.
Outside of her professional and academic life, Emily likes to spend her time cooking, baking, and making new memories with friends and family.
Timothy Chuong
Timothy Chuong is a first-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences and is currently interested in the medical specialties of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, and Family Medicine. He obtained his B.S. in Human Biology from UC San Diego in June 2021. Timothy has been awarded a student research fellowship from Western University of Health Sciences to gain new insights into migraine pathophysiology in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI.
Timothy’s hobbies include basketball, climbing, and hiking. He also enjoys video games, cooking, baking, and spending time with his dog Bao!
Justin Lin
Justin Lin is a senior at San Marino High School. He is currently a student research volunteer in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI. In the future, Justin would like to pursue a career in the medical field practicing internal medicine.
Apart from science and medicine, Justin enjoys playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and going on campouts with his boy scout troop.
Diya V El Khal
Diya El Khal is a sophomore at Crescenta Valley High School. She is a student research volunteer in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI. Diya enjoys math and science, and wishes to pursue a career in science or medicine. By being a student research volunteer, Diya challenges herself in new ways, and this helps her build skills needed to reach her goals.
Outside of research, Diya likes to hang out with friends, paint, and read books in her free time.
Student and Volunteer opportunities are available.