![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2022-09/xi-chen.jpg)
Xi Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Mentor: Yi Zhu, Ph.D.
Project: The role of Connexin43 in adipose tissue metabolism
M.D., Ph.D. Institution: M.D.-Ph.D. from Central South University
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2021-08/xiaomin-chen.png)
Xiaomin Chen, Ph.D.
Mentor: Lanlan Shen, M.D.
Project: Developing novel locus-specific tools to modify the DNA methylome
Ph.D. Institution: Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/230822-yue-deng-portrait-sqr-cropped-web.jpg)
Yue Deng, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, Ph.D.
Project: Functions of brain androgen receptor neurons
Ph.D. Institution: University of Iowa
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-02/elefson-230119-fellow.jpg)
Sarah Elefson, Ph.D.
Mentor: Douglas Burrin, Ph.D.
Project title: Regulatory control points in the farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 19 axis
Ph.D. Institution: Iowa State University
![Xing](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-01/xing-fang-221214-cropped-web2.jpg)
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project statement: A novel brain region, PeFAH, in controlling food intake
Ph.D. Institution: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/alexander-garcia-230928-sqr-cropped-web.jpg)
John Alexander Jimenez-Garcia, Ph.D.
Mentor: Teresia O鈥機onnor, Ph.D.
Project: Reciprocal Reinforcement as a Motivator for Behavior Change in Cardio-Metabolic Research in Hispanic families
Ph.D. Institution: Concordia University, Montreal Canada
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/230901-ki-beom-jang-portrait-sqr-cropped2-web.jpg)
Ki Beom Jang, Ph.D.
Mentor: Teresa Davis, Ph.D.
Project: Impact of citrulline on protein synthesis in neonatal tissue
Ph.D. Institution: Institution: North Carolina State University
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2022-02/li_yongxiang.jpg)
Yongxiang Li, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Neural mechanisms for metabolic and behavioral regulation
Ph.D. Institution: South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2022-05/hailan-liu.png)
Hailan Liu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: The role of hypothalamic Grb10 in energy balance
Ph.D. Institution: Central South University, Changsha, China
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/media/images/hesong-liu-web1-110-110-20180912084849.jpg)
Hesong Liu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Impaired 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR)-mediated neurotransmission contributes to the obesity-induced exacerbation of AD pathophysiology and selective 5-HT2CR agonists can be used to treat AD.
Ph.D. Institution: University of Houston
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/qingzhuo-liu-230620-sqr-cropped-web.jpg)
Qingzhou Liu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Explore the neural circuits that regulate feeding behavior and glucose balance".
Ph.D. Institution: Fudan University, Shanghai, China
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2021-08/kristine-marie-conde.png)
Kristine Marie McDermott, B.D., M.S., Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Serotonergic regulation of feeding behavior and metabolism
Ph.D. Institution: Rutgers University
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2021-08/longlong-tu.jpg)
Longlong 'Lucas' Tu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Ano4 mediates responsiveness of GI neurons to glycemic fluctuations in multiple brain regions
Ph.D Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2021-08/mengjie-wang.png)
Mengie 'Emma' Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Perineuronal nets and neuroendocrine functions
Ph.D. Institution: University of Toledo College of Medicine
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2022-12/weilan-wang-221017-cropped-web.jpg)
Weilan Wang
Mentor: Xia Gao, Ph.D.
Project statement: Interactions between host and gut microbiome in disease
Ph.D. Institution: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2020-07/li-yang.jpeg)
Li Yang, Ph.D.
Mentor: Lanlan Shen, M.D.
Project: p16 Epimutation: Function in Tumorigenesis and A Target for Cancer Therapy
Ph.D. Institution: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/media/images/meng-yu-web-110-110-20181005144736.jpg)
Meng Yu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: E2-sensitive ER伪vlVMH neurons detect nutritional/glycemic fluctuations, and recruit multiple downstream neural circuits to maintain energy and glucose homeostasis
Ph.D. Institution: Fudan University, Shanghai, China
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2022-10/sloane-zimmerman.jpeg)
Sloane Zimmerman, M.D.
Mentors: Jayna Markand Dave, Ph.D. and Robert J Shulman, M.D.
Project: Integrating Food Rx with Best Feeding Practices for Chronic Disease Prevention among EFNEP Participants
M.D. Institution: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/katelyn-senkus-portrait-sqr-cropped.jpg)
Katelyn Senkus Ph.D.
Mentor: Nancy Moran, Ph.D.
Project: Biomarker validation for carotenoid intake in infants/toddlers and relationship with metabolic health
Ph.D. Institute: University of Alabama
![](https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/julia-marie-salamat-231113-sqr-cropped-web.jpg)
Julia Salamat
Mentor: Xia Gao, Ph.D.
Project: Investigating the potential of methionine restriction in overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance
Ph.D. Institution: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama