Principal Investigator
Anju Vasudevan, PhD
Anju Vasudevan, PhD is Professor of Neuroscience and Chair/Scientific Director of the Department of Neurosciences, which conducts basic and translational research in developmental neuroscience, migraine, aging, and neurodegeneration (HMRI, https://hmri.org/Team-Brain-Development-Laboratory). 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 founded and established the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory (ABDL) in 2011, at McLean Hospital to advance research on brain development and vascular signaling. 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 and 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 and 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
Scarlett Tse
Scarlett Tse is an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. She is an undergraduate researcher in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI, where she is interested in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopment and disease. Scarlett plans to continue her education by pursuing a Ph.D. in a related field, with a focus on translational and mechanistic biomedical research.
Outside of her academic and professional life, Scarlett enjoys watching Formula 1, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with her dog, Boba.
Emma Chan
Emma Chan is a freshman at Pasadena City College who plans to transfer to University of California San Diego to pursue a B.S. in Human Biology. She is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI, where she studies the role of endothelial GABA receptor subunits in behavioral diversity. After college, she aims to continue her education in medical school or graduate school in clinical biomedical science or forensic science.
Besides her scientific interests, Emma enjoys playing volleyball, singing, and playing video games.
Justin Lin
Justin Lin joined the Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory at HMRI as a student research volunteer while he was a junior at San Marino High School. He is now pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience at UCLA. After college, Justin plans to attend either graduate school or medical school and is broadly interested in biotechnology, space biology, and AI/ML.
Outside of research, Justin enjoys playing tennis, rock climbing, and speedsolving Rubik’s cubes.
Diya V El Khal
Diya El Khal is a junior 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.