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Lingyun Zhao Pronounced: Ling-yoon Jow [Click to hear it]
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh
Education
Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University
B.S., Eletronic Engineering, Tsinghua University
Matt Murawski
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Matt joined the Zhao Lab as a research assistant after receiving his B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh in 2025. As an undergraduate in the Herman Lab, he recorded single neurons from the primate superior colliculus during visual attention tasks, investigating how salience, reward, and attention independently shape neural activity. He is broadly interested in how neural circuits represent and navigate social problems, and is drawn to marmoset vocal communication as a rare opportunity to study the brain during natural, real-time social interaction. His current work in the Zhao Lab examines how frontal cortex activity relates to the social context surrounding vocal production. Outside the lab, he enjoys listening to progressive rock music and poorly imitating Neil Peart on drums.
Gargi Nandy
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Gargi is a research assistant in the Zhao Lab. She completed her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and received a B.S. in Neuroscience and Psychology. She also worked as an undergraduate researcher at Yale University in the lab of Dr. Steve Chang, where she studied marmoset vocalizations during cooperative behavior paradigms. In her free time, Gargi enjoys hiking, baking, and dancing!
Cooper Keys
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Cooper is an undergraduate researcher in the Zhao Lab. He is currently a senior neuroscience student on the pre-vet track. He has worked with a wide variety of animals, from polar bears to sloths, but has not yet worked with animals in a research setting. Outside of school, he enjoys rock climbing and watching movies.
Teba Latef
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Teba is drawn to questions about the brain and mind, particularly the neuroscience of autism. During high school, working with Applied Behavior Analysis students who used assistive communication devices shaped how she thinks about communication and the brain’s role in supporting it. These experiences led her to pursue the study of neuroscience, with a focus on how thought, emotion, and communication emerge from brain function.Alongside her academic work, Teba tutors students in math and science through one-on-one and small-group sessions, emphasizing both conceptual understanding and building confidence. She is also involved in community fundraising efforts such as Relay for Life, contributing to activities ranging from balloon twisting and hot cocoa sales to coordinating build-up events and logistics. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong sense of responsibility to her community and to the people she works with.
Vincent Niedermayer
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Vincent is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying mathematics and computer science. In the lab, he focuses on developing machine learning tools for the segmentation, labeling, and analysis of marmoset vocalizations.
Lokesh Daita
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Lokesh is in his third year studying Computer Science and Data Science at the University of Pittsburgh. He is interested in utilizing and developing artificial intelligence and machine learning models to create solutions to positively impact and facilitate research at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a life-long learner with a deep curiosity to learn about new technologies. He also enjoys playing and watching sports such as basketball and soccer.
Michelle Utsis
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Michelle is an undergraduate researcher in the Zhao Lab. She is currently a Frederick Honors and junior neuroscience student with a minor in bioengineering. She is interested especially in immunology and devices as it’s applied to neural engineering projects. Outside of class, she enjoys baking/cooking and playing water polo.
Xiaowen Ma
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Xiaowen completed her M.S. in Animal Science at Michigan State University, where she studied behavior and welfare in laying hens, and earned her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Florida. She joined the lab as a lab technician/manager and is interested in animal behavior and communication. Her interest in non-human primates began during an internship at ZooTampa, where she became fascinated by their complex social behavior. She is excited to learn more about marmoset vocal communication and how it relates to the neural basis of speech. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog Miso and spending money on concert tickets.
RESEARCH SUPPORT TEAM
Miso
Tako
Toffee
Mona
Tigger
Kirby
Iroh
Bella
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