Kuangfu Hsiao, Ph.D.

• Postdoc, Neurodynamics, Rockefeller University, New York City, NY (2020)
• Ph.D., Molecular Cellular Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, NY (2014)
• M.Eng., Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (2006)
• B.S., Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (1999)

Hsiao Lab focuses on the biochemistry and physiology that occur at synapses and circuits during learning, which is essential for memory, motor and social behaviors. Katie Hsaio, Ph.D., studies the diversity of neurons and the connectivity among different cell types, the dynamic properties of their synapses and how development stages regulate these properties. Her lab also develop tools for functional discovery and manipulation of neuronal properties (genetic perturbation & optogenetic) for studying how these manipulations affect function using in vivo brain recordings in awake animals. Her lab is currently emphasizing two areas of research: i)characterization of the circuits by which distinct GABAergic interneurons shape perceptual processing and ii)the mechanisms by which abnormal cerebellum circuitry contributes to Down Syndrome. To address these questions, Dr. Hsiao use a multidisciplinary approach that combines molecular, genetic and anatomical techniques with electrophysiological, imaging and optogenetic methods in vitro and in vivo as well as behavioral methods.