Molecular Neuroscience
Group
Shining Light on Neurodegeneration
Welcome
We are an interdisciplinary group investigating molecules and mechanisms causing brain cells to die in different neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Huntington's disease.
For this we apply many cutting-edge tools ranging from atomic force and superresolution microscopy to microfluidics, multi electrode arrays and machine learning.
To find out more of what we do have a look at our research pages. Whether you are a potential student or collaborator, we look forward to hearing from you.
Our Research
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Advancing Neurodegenerative Research
By integrating state-of-the-art imaging, AI-driven analysis, stem-cell models, and electrophysiology, our research bridges fundamental science and clinical applications. Through strong global collaborations, we aim to accelerate the development of innovative therapies and diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases.
For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, contact our research team.
Our Members
Gabi is head of the Molecular Neuroscience Group, co-director of the Cambridge Infinitus Research Institute (CIRCE), and director of the Cambridge MPhil in Biotechnology. Gabi studied Biology at the Université de Fribourg, Switzerland and did her Ph.D. in Medicine on Neural Transplantation in Parkinson's disease at Lund University, Sweden. She has since set-up a centre in the application of modern biophysical methods for the study of mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Ana joined the group in 2017. She studied Chemistry and she did her Ph.D. in immunology on tropical diseases at the University of Granada (Spain). In the molecular neuroscience group, she looks at the aggregation of α-synuclein and underlying mechanisms. The main focus of her work it to elucidate the role of α-synuclein using primary dopaminergic neurons.
Nino joined the group in June 2021. He studied mechanical engineering and did his Ph.D. in acoustofluidics at the ETH Zurich (Switzerland). One of his main projects aims to understand the impact of environmental/external factors on the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases by combining advanced microscopy and other technologies with small animal models.
Yuqing joined the group in 2020 for her MPhil project and completed her PhD in 2025, focusing on the role of oxysterols in neurodegeneration and the physiological function of phosphorylated α-synuclein. She is currently working on culturing, slicing, and characterising human brain organoids.
Janice holds a Master’s in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine from University College London and has a background in next-generation sequencing. She is currently working with the biological activity of natural compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine to identify potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Bel is a final-year PhD student working on the development of microphysiological systems (microfluidic chips) and organic bioelectronic systems (planar and flexible electrophysiology devices) to enhance functional characterisation of stem cell-derived neural models. She has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (American University in Cairo, 2019) and an MSc in Photonics Technologies (Aix-Marseille and Tampere Universities, 2020/1).
Stefany received her BEng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, from the University of Southampton in 2020. She then completed MRes in Sensor Technologies at the University of Cambridge. She is currently a final-year PhD student, studying the role of brain cholesterol in neurodegenerative diseases by fabricating biosensors from organic electrochemical transistors.
Sofia is a PhD student between the group and AstraZeneca. Her background is in chemistry and bioinformatics and her PhD involves investigating cellular responses to drug exposure using deep learning and advanced microscopy techniques.
Rohan joined the unit in 2022 as a PhD student. His work focuses on human brain organoids to study Huntington’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons resulting in progressive psychiatric, cognitive, and motor symptoms.
Jakob graduated with a BSc in Physics from LMU Munich. After completing the MPhil in Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, he is now a PhD student using machine learning to study neuronal activity and brain elasticity.
Jieni studied bioengineering at Imperial College with a year abroad at ETH, then worked as a research assistant in the department of PDN. Jieni is currently a PhD student in the group studying FUS-ALS using iPSC motor neuron system.
Sulay is a third-year PhD student with a background in Electrical Engineering. After completing the MPhil in Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, his work now focuses on studying the effects of amyloid-beta on the interactions between glial cells and neurons in a tri-culture model of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Prior to joining the Molecular Neuroscience Group, Josiah completed my undergraduate (MChem) degree in Chemistry at Loughborough University, UK, with a year abroad at Curtin University, Australia, and his post-graduate master's degree in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology at the University of Cambridge, UK.
