Lab Members

Ju Lu

Principal Investigator

Dr. Ju Lu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University. He uses advanced optical imaging and computational tools to study how the brain reorganizes itself in response to experiences. Currently his research focuses on how chronic stress and aging affect mouse cortical neural circuits. He is also interested in the crosstalk between art and neuroscience. Dr. Lu received Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Harvard University and postdoctoral training at Stanford University; he worked as a research scientist at University of California Santa Cruz before joining the Lehigh faculty in fall 2024.

Solomaya "Sally" Schwab

PhD Student

I graduated from Cedar Crest College with a B.S. in Mathematics in 2022. I’m currently developing a pipeline to analyze spatial transcriptomics data to explore how aging and sleep deprivation affect the brain. Outside of the lab, I like to crochet, read, explore new music, and take care of pigeons.

Jingqi "Kevin" Sun

Predoctoral Research Associate

I received my B.S. in Biology from University of California Santa Cruz in 2023. In 2025 I received an M.S. in Biotechnology from Northwestern University, where I focused on developing translational immunotherapy strategies for glioblastoma using siRNA and lipid nanoparticles. My current research focuses on neuroimmune regulation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Outside of the lab, I am a total Petro head who love to work on my car and exploring automobile performance and engineering.

Yupin Chang

Undergraduate student

As a mechanical engineering major (Class of 2028), I am doing work-study in the Lu lab to help with mouse husbandry. Outside of the lab, I am very involved in the Lehigh dance community, as a member of the belly dance and Helius dance club.

Annibelle Ernst

Undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and doing a 4+1 Master of Public Health. I will graduate with my B.S. in Spring 2026 and my MPH in Spring 2027. In Dr. Lu’s lab, I work with expansion microscopy to study the Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in mice. I also work in the lab of Dr. Dimitrios Vavylonis in the physics department, using mathematical and computational modeling to study the cellular biophysics of actin development. I am interested in linking together my research in the two labs for a model of synaptic defects in FXS. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and reading.

Thomas Kaspereen

Undergraduate student

I am a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a dual degree in neuroscience and philosophy on the pre-med track. I am expecting to graduate in May 2027. I am currently researching the effects of psilocybin on dendritic spines in the amygdala of stressed mice. Research aside, I enjoy finding connections between the arts and the sciences through opportunities such as being a Vanderryn Museum Education Intern at Lehigh University Art Galleries, a TRAC writing fellow, and a member of the NeuroSalon project.

Grace Kirkpatrick

Undergraduate student

I am an IDEAS major in the class of 2027 with concentrations in neuroscience and electrical engineering. In the lab, I am currently using the Motion Sequencing machine learning model to study effects of psychedelics on mouse behavior. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially backpacking, climbing, running, and playing tennis.

Erik Peachey

Undergraduate student

I am an IDEAS major concentrating in Neuroscience and Computer Science in the class of 2029. I am currently studying synaptic plasticity in mice using expansion microscopy and am writing programs to accelerate data analysis. Outside of the lab, I play the tenor saxophone in the Marching 97, am an officer in Outing Club, and enjoy reading, playing games, and traveling.

Hannah Vogel

Undergraduate student

I double-major in Behavioral Neuroscience and English with a minor in Earth and Environmental Science in the class of 2027. I am currently studying mouse behavior after chronic social defeat stress. I am a varsity member of the Woman's Rowing team at Lehigh and also a TRAC writing fellow.

Oliver Xia

Undergraduate student

I am in the IDEAS program with concentrations in neuroscience and bioengineering. I plan to graduate in 2029. Currently, I am learning to do mouse behavioral experiments to assess stress-induced deficits and working on PCR assays for mouse genotyping. I am deeply interested in a future career in medicine, but outside of that I am very passionate about art and music.

Jennifer Xu

Undergraduate student

I am an undergraduate in the class of 2029 double-majoring in Physics and Neuroscience. I am particularly interested in applying soft-matter physics paradigms to neural systems, and in brain-to-brain interfaces (BBIs). Currently, I am learning to do PCR genotyping and basic histology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy philosophy, socioeconomic theory, playing the violin, and, on occasion, hiking.