Postdoctoral Fellow

Liang Wu

Liang received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he conducted his graduate training at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology. During his Ph.D., his research focused on characterizing functional abnormalities in a novel canine model of autism. He demonstrated that mutations in the Shank3 gene lead to deficits in sensory processing in this model, providing important insights into the neural mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders.

Following his doctoral training, Liang joined Mike’s lab as a postdoctoral researcher. His current work aims to investigate how dopamine modulates cognitive flexibility within thalamocortical circuits, as well as to uncover the underlying neural circuit mechanisms. By integrating approaches such as electrophysiology, behavioral assays, and optogenetics, he seeks to better understand how neuromodulatory systems regulate higher-order cognitive functions. Ultimately, his research aims to advance our understanding of the circuit-level dysfunctions underlying neuropsychiatric disorders and to inform the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.