Huxing Cui, PhD (PI)
Office Phone: (319) 335-6954
Lab Phone: (319) 384-3020
Email: huxing-cui@uiowa.edu
Huxing Cui received his PhD in Psychiatry/Neurology from the University of Kobe and completed his postdoctoral training at UT Southwestern Medical Center and later in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa. In April of 2016, he joined faculty in the Department of Pharmacology to establish his own laboratory. While not working, he enjoys swimming, fishing, playing soccer, and traveling.
Uday Singh, PhD
Since: 2017
Email: uday-singh@uiowa.edu
Uday completed his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from NISER, Bhubaneswar (India). As an assistant research scientist, he is particularly interested in deciphering neural circuits and molecular biomarkers contributing to hypertension and sleep disorders, among individuals with obesity.
Guorui (Gary) Deng, PhD
Since: 2019
Email: guorui-deng@uiowa.edu
Guorui received his PhD in Cancer Biology from Wake Forest University. He joined the Cui lab in 2019 to focus on elucidating how the primary cilia regulates energy metabolism. During his free time, Guorui enjoys spending his time with his family, cooking, traveling and learning new hobbies.
Yavuz Yavuz, PhD
Since: 2024
Email: yavuz-yavuz@uiowa.edu
Yavuz received his PhD in Physiology from Yeditepe University (Turkey) in 2021. As a post-doctoral scholar, he focuses on understanding how neuronal circuits regulate food intake and how these processes play a role in developing obesity-induced type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Outside of the lab, he enjoys spending time with his family, biking, and cooking.
Minh Pham
Since: 2023
Email: minh-g-pham@uiowa.edu
Minh Pham is a PhD student from the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Iowa. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology at Grinnell College. Minh is currently investigating the prefrontal cortex control over feeding behavior in mice using chemogenetics, optogenetics and fiber photometry. Minh’s hometown is the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, and he loves to brag about the food in Vietnam. Minh is also an avid runner in his free time, having competed in multiple marathons and middle-distance races in Vietnam and in Iowa.
Omar Mustafa
Since: 2021
Email: omar-mustafa@uiowa.edu
Omar graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Human Physiology and a minor in Art. Omar's aspirations are to become a physician while engaged in research. He is also a Patient Care Technician in the UIHC Emergency Department. Outside of lab, he enjoys lifting, swimming, drawing and meeting new people.
Lillian Schmidt
Since: 2022
Email: lillian-schmidt@uiowa.edu
Lilli is 4th year biomedical engineering student on the pre-medicine track. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and riding her bike.
Radhika Khanna
Since: 2023
Email: radhika-khanna@uiowa.edu
Hello! I am an undergraduate research assistant at the Cui lab pursuing a degree in Neuroscience (B.S.) on the pre-med track, at the University of Iowa. Post graduating, I plan to obtain an M.D. by attending medical school and continuing research on the side. While not working, I enjoy volunteering, exploring, and meeting new people!
Mrithuul Prasath Madan Prasad
Since: 2023
Email: mrithuulprasath-madanprasad@uiowa.edu
Mrithuul Prasath Madan Prasad is a third year at the University of Iowa double-majoring in Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences on the pre-medical track. His hometown is the city of Waukee, Iowa. He is working to dissect Zona Incerta circuits in mice brains to determine their role on metabolism and sleep regulation.
Benjamin R Barnhart
Since: 2023
Email: benjamin-barnhart@uiowa.edu
Ben is a Psychology and Mechanical Engineering student. Ben plans on continuing his education after his undergraduate studies, intending to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When he isn't in the lab or studying for his degree, Ben enjoys working out, playing volleyball, and reading.
Mohammed Abunibe
Since: 2023
Email: mailto:mohammed-ahmed@uiowa.edu
My name is Mohammed Abunibe, and I am a Human Physiology major on the pre-med track at the University of Iowa. I find the human body's physiology fascinating, and the lab provides the perfect opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and make a meaningful impact in the field.
Grant Songer
Since: 2024
Email: grantsonger32@gmail.com
Grant's interests in research and the medical field first grew while taking classes in his hometown of West Des Moines, IA. He currently attends the University of Iowa and is about to complete his B.S. in Human Health and Physiology. Hoping to pursue a future career in the medical field that allows him to apply what he has learned into his everyday life. Outside of the lab Grant works as a Patient Care Tech at the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics and enjoys golfing, playing tennis, and traveling.
Aiden Milton
Since: 2023
Email: aiden-milton@uiowa.edu
My name is Aiden Milton. I am a second-year student studying biomedical sciences on the premed track and this is my second year working in the Cui Lab. I am from Columbus, Ohio and some of my hobbies include soccer, cycling, going to the gym, and cooking.