Lulu Jiang, MD/PhD
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor
Department of Neuroscience
Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG)
University of Virginia, School of Medicine
409 Lane Road, MR4-6144
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Email: jiang.lulu@virginia.edu
Phone: 434-924-8229
https://med.virginia.edu/neuroscience/faculty/primary-faculty/lulu-jiang-md-phd/
Lulu earned her Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) and residency training in preventive medicine, as well as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Neurotoxicology from Shandong University in China. She completed her PhD in Neuropharmacology at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS/NIH) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Her PhD research, mentored by Dr. Jau-Shyong Hong and supported by NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA), focused on understanding the role of chronic neuroinflammation and microglial activation in caudal-rostral neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease. In her thesis, titled “The Role of Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine in the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease,” she discovered that norepinephrine, secreted by Locus coeruleus neurons in the CNS, not only acts as a neurotransmitter but also regulates microglial activation through binding to NOX2. This finding led her to identify clozapine-N-oxide, a major metabolite of clozapine (a drug for schizophrenia), as a potentially more effective and safer therapy for Parkinson’s disease at submicromolar doses by activating NOX2. Lulu continued her postdoctoral training at Boston University in Dr. Benjamin Wolozin's lab, where her research revealed that tau oligomers are more toxic than fibrils in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease due to their selective interaction with RNA-binding proteins and disruption of the nuclear lamina. Her work was among the first to identify m6A-RNA methylation as a novel feature of Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. Additionally, she led the development of a novel 3D neuron-glial brain assembloid model of Alzheimer’s disease using patient-derived iPSC lines. Outside of the lab, Lulu enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and painting with oil and acrylics.
Shuo Yuan is from Cangzhou, China, and he received his Medical Doctorate degree in Pharmacology. During his studies, Shuo Yuan focused on Chinese medicine for anti-aging, anti-diabetes, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory bowel disease. Shuo Yuan is a cheerful and outgoing person who likes to make friends. In his spare time, he goes running, reads mystery novels, and plays Murder Mystery Games with his friends.
Allison is a PhD student in the UVA neuroscience graduate program, originally from West Virginia, Allison received her B.S. in neuroscience from High Point University. After undergrad she did a two-year post-bac at the NIH. Allison’s scientific interests include investigating glia, neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration, and exploring potential therapeutics. In her free time Allison likes to spend time with her cat and doing crochet, knitting, or embroidery.
Weronika Gniadzik is a visiting student from Poland in UVA’s BioLab program. She graduated from University of Wrocław with a B.S. in Genetics and Experimental Biology, and is finishing her Master's degree on molecular mechanisms of memory consolidation. Her research in the lab focuses on using a 3D neuron-glial brain organoid system to understand the role of ApoE2 in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Outside of the lab, she likes to bake pies, hike, and read thrillers.
Ellie recently graduated from Washington and Lee University with a B.S. in Neuroscience and spent her last semester abroad studying neuroscience in Copenhagen, Denmark. Ellie has a thirst for knowledge, a passion for science, and a deep desire to help people. She is a quick and avid learner, aiming to build upon her preliminary research skills for academic and scientific advancement.
Zoe Reich is a lab technician in the Jiang Lab who plans to become a researcher that specializes in the biology of aging. She graduated from Rutgers University's Honors College with a B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and another B.A. in English. Zoe is interested in developing therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease, along with other neurodegenerative diseases. In her free time, she loves to rock climb, hike, & journal.
Qingbo earned her Master of Science degree from Sun Yat-sen University in China. She joined the Lulu Jiang Lab, expecting to deepen her knowledge of neuroscience and contribute to the research exploring potential therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease. Outside the lab, Qingbo enjoys spending time with friends, catching up with her family, and exploring diverse cuisines.
Nick is a 4th year from McLean, Virginia pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Neurodegenerative disorders, both their causes and progression are a fascinating topic for Nick, and he felt compelled to study with Dr. Jiang when he read about the work being done in her lab. Nick was awarded the Harrison Undergraduate Research Award to continue his work over the summer of 2024. Nick plans to participate in the department of Biology’s Distinguished Major Program for which he will write a thesis on Nuclear Envelope Disruption. Outside of the lab, Nick enjoys fitness, watching nature documentaries, and trying new restaurants around Charlottesville.
Lucie is a 4th Neuroscience major from Atlanta, GA looking forward to starting her Distinguished Majors Project in the Fall. She is interested in researching the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases with a focus in elucidating the effects of genetic markers of Alzheimer's Disease on disease progression. Outside of the lab, Lucie enjoys singing with the UVA University Singers, walking her dog, Doc, around grounds, and watching reality TV with her roommates.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Addy is a 2nd year from Chatham, NJ majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Health, Ethics, and Society on the premed track. She is fascinated by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, and is interested in researching their pathologies and working towards the discovery of novel treatments. Outside of the lab, Addy enjoys running, skiing, baking, and watching movies with friends!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Daniel is a second-year from Stamford, CT, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Public Policy and Leadership. He is interested in how epitranscriptomic regulation influences the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, running, and exploring Charlottesville with friends.
Alumni
Tiana Richardson, Undergraduate Research Assistant Class 2025 , Biochemistry major and Sociology minor on the premed track [June 2023 to December 2024]
Valeria Arroyo Suarez, SRIP Student [June to August 2024]
Elyssa Pereyra, Rotation Student from NGP [July to August 2024]
Daphne Gyamfi, Rotation Student from NGP [January to March 2024]
Abigail Kelly, Rotation Student from NGP [January to March 2024]