People

Farzaneh Najafi, PhD

Principal Investigator

School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Tech


Office: IBB 3314

Lab: IBB 3205

email ; Twitter

I studied Biotechnology (integrated BSc/MSc/PhD program) at the University of Tehran, Iran, and did my master's project on stem cell research at Royan Institute at Hossein Baharvand's lab. 

I came to the US in 2007 to do my PhD in systems neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. I studied cerebellar mechanisms underlying motor adaptation in Javier Medina's lab and collaborated with Sam Wang's lab at Princeton University.

In 2014, I joined Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as a postdoc to study parietal cortex circuits underlying cognitive behavior in Anne Churchland's lab. 

In 2019, I joined the Allen institute for Brain Science to investigate the neural circuits of visually guided behavior using a team science approach

In January 2023, I started my appointment as an assistant professor at Georgia Tech to investigate the circuits and computations that underlie predictive processing in the brain.

Vanshika Mehta, BS

Research Technician


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I graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2022 with a double major in Neuroscience and Mathematics. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, I was part of an fMRI study investigating the role of the locus-coeruleus in modulating functional connectivity of brain networks. For my capstone design, I worked on a neurodevelopment project using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. I am passionate about studying neurological disorders and am strongly motivated to help better people's lives through my research skills and experience.  

Tim Stamm, MS

Research Engineer


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I graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2009 with a BS in ECE.  I have held various engineering positions in both government and industry prior to deciding to return to graduate school in 2021 for an MS ECE.  My interests are geared towards being able to understand and replicate human neurophysiological architecture and functionality in the effort to treat various medical conditions, augment human capabilities, as well as developing biologically inspired artificial general intelligence systems.

Reagan Hicks

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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I am currently working on my bachelor's degree in Biology, with a minor in Neuroscience, at Georgia Institute of Technology. I am interested in the neural applications of genetics, which starts with a good understanding of the brain and the interactions between its structures. I plan to earn my PhD and complete post-doctoral research before becoming a professor. 

Connor White

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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I am currently a second-year pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering and minor in Chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology. I hope to study the neural code of the brain and how utilizing it can help people with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Ultimately, I want to pursue a PhD so that I can become a full time researcher either in the industry or in academia.

Garrett Anderson

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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I am currently a second year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Spanish at Georgia Tech. After I finish my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend medical school so that I can use my knowledge of Neuroscience and fluency in Spanish to improve the human condition by practicing medicine in underrepresented Spanish speaking countries.

Kelly Adams

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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I am currently a Mechanical Engineering student concentrating in design at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I am passionate about robotic design related to improving and assisting research labs. I intend to pursue a BS/MS and eventually work in the industry.

Yizhao Hou

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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I am currently a third-year student at the Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Robotics.  I enjoy projects which allow me to engage in the process of problem solving as well as collaborating with others.  My aspiration is to continue increasing the breadth and dept of my Engineering studies in an interdisciplinary fashion such as with medical robotics, where I can explore the convergence of different disciplines and contribute to the development of innovative solutions.

Belle Abebe

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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I am currently a student at Georgia Institute of Technology studying Electrical Engineering with concentrations in Bioengineering and Electronic Devices. My fascination with the use of electronics in medicine means I am constantly drawn towards projects that require a multidisciplinary approach. With a keen eye for innovation, I aspire to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that bridge the gap between electrical engineering and the life sciences, aiming to make a positive impact on society's well-being.

Aadya Potdar

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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As a motivated rising third-year Computer Engineering student at Georgia Tech, I find immense joy in engaging in projects that allow me to sharpen my programming skills, tackle complex problem-solving challenges, and foster teamwork. My fascination lies in the intersection of cutting-edge technology and healthcare, particularly in the exploration and development of innovative medical devices. I am driven by the potential of computational methods to advance neuroscience research and its applications. Looking ahead, my goal upon graduation is to contribute to the field of medical robotics, where I can merge my technical expertise with my dedication to improving patient care.

Stella Wang

Undergraduate Research Assistant


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I am currently a biology major student at Georgia Tech, where I am deeply passionate about the field of medicine, specifically neuroscience. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the medical field, particularly in researching and addressing neurological disorders. With my biology background and focus on neuroscience, I hope to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of innovative treatments.

Alumni:

Aakash Venkataraman (Graduate Research Assistant)