Principal Investigator
Aysegul Gungor Aydin, PhD
Assistant Professor
MSc Neuroanatomy & Biophysics, Pamukkale University
PhD Neuroscience, Pamukkale University

Aysegul received her BS degree in Biochemistry from Ege University, Turkey, in 2009.  She subsequently received her MS in Neuroanatomy & Biophysics and PhD in Neuroscience from Pamukkale University, Turkey.  For her postdoctoral studies, Aysegul moved across the globe and joined the lab of Dr. Dan Meliza at the University of Virginia in 2020, where she investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying temporal processing. Her work focused on the KCNA1 gene and its role in encoding information about temporal acoustic features in an avian model of neurodevelopment. She then joined the lab of Dr. Kasia Bieszczad at Rutgers University. There, she studied the molecular and neural substrates underlying auditory temporal processing and auditory memory for temporal features of sound in a mammalian auditory system. In 2025, Aysegul started her lab at the Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey. The NEAF lab investigates how genes and neural circuits affected by auditory experience influence the development of auditory processing and how the epigenome can reshape brain circuits for experience-dependent cognitive functions. NEAF lab combines molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and behavior approaches to uncover the experience-dependent mechanisms that drive enduring changes to brain function.  Aysegul is deeply committed to mentoring and science outreach. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, running, puzzles, and watching crime series.
Busra Kose Ozkan, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher 
MSc Audiology and Speech Disorders, Marmara University
PhD Neuroscience, Koc University
Busra graduated with a BS in Audiology and earned an MSc in Audiology and Speech Disorders from Marmara University, where she investigated psychoacoustic and cognitive skills in cochlear implant users. During her undergraduate and master's studies, she gained clinical experience working with individuals who have hearing loss, which shaped her translational perspective. She completed her PhD in Neuroscience at Koc University under the supervision of Prof. Safiye Cavdar and worked as a visiting researcher for one year in the laboratory of Prof. Shaowen Bao at the University of Arizona. Her work investigated roles of TNF-α receptor subtypes in parvalbumin-expressing neurons, providing mechanistic insight into the link between noise-induced auditory processing deficits and anxiety. She also contributed to various neuroanatomical and translational projects focused on neural connectivity, glial mechanisms, and the glymphatic system. Her research goal is to understand how auditory experience reshapes neural circuits and modulates cognitive and emotional processes by integrating molecular, behavioral, electrophysiological, and computational approaches. Besides science, she loves spending time in nature, watching basketball and volleyball games, cooking, and traveling.
​Shreya Bhargava
Research Assistant
MSc  Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

​Shreya graduated from Drury University in August 2020 with a B.S. in Biology. She completed her master's thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Ozlem Gunal, investigating the combined effects of CYFIP1 deficiency and IL-6–mediated inflammation on behavior and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in autism spectrum disorder. Following graduation, she worked as a Research Assistant in Dr. Luciano D’Adamio’s lab at Rutgers University, contributing to studies using APOE knock-in rat models to examine behavioral and molecular mechanisms relevant to Alzheimer’s disease. Her research interests include experience-dependent neuroplasticity and the circuit- and molecular-level mechanisms underlying cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders. Outside of the lab, Shreya enjoys singing, aerial yoga, exploring new food spots, and making a great cup of chai.
Sydney Cowhig
Undergraduate Student

Sydney is a junior at Seton Hall University pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Data Analytics. Her passion for neuroscience sparked through one Cognitive Neuroscience class, and she's been curious ever since! Sydney also loves research and hopes to earn her PhD in neuroscience or a related field. Sydney aspires to make exciting discoveries, advancing our understanding of the human brain. When she's not in the lab, Sydney enjoys going to church, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family (including her dog, Tucker!)​
Faiza Ramadan
Postbac Student
BS Genetics, Rutgers University
​
Faiza graduated from Rutgers University in 2024 with a degree in Genetics, and later earned an Advanced Core in Medical Sciences certificate from Temple University.
At Rutgers, she worked as a research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Gungor Aydin’s, where she helped study how auditory neurophysiological signals differ in a preclinical rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Faiza is now an incoming medical student with a passion for epigenetics, cognition, and how science connects to everyday life. When she’s not studying, you can probably find her hiking, running, or hunting for new foods to try.
Pranav Manoj
BA/MD student
BA Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University

​Pranav Manoj is a BA/MD student at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. As a Rutgers undergraduate, he worked as a research assistant under Dr. Gungor Aydin, where he helped investigate how auditory neurophysiological signals differ in a preclinical rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Apart from science, Pranav's interests revolve around teaching, writing, and watching tennis and basketball.
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April Kusnier
Undergraduate Student 

April is a sophomore and Baldwin Honors student at Drew University, majoring in Neuroscience, and minoring in Chemistry. She is also pursuing a pre-med track. Her interest in neuroscience began in her first semester with an introductory course of Neuroscience, and from there she became eager to begin research in the field and expand her knowledge about the brain! At Drew University, she is also part of the Action Scholars program, and is involved in community volunteering and participating in extracurricular clubs. April is a member of the NCAA DIII women’s varsity cross-country and track and field programs as a three-season athlete in the Landmark Conference for Drew University. In her free time, April enjoys running, baking, painting, drawing, and spending time with friends and family.​
Vamsikrishna Vaidyula (Vamsi)
BS/MD Student 
BS Neuroscience, Drew University

Vamsikrishna is a BS/MD student at Drew University and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. An avid researcher, he has published work in hematology and engaged in policy-focused initiatives addressing EMS workforce shortages. He is also committed to serving his migrant community through volunteering at local health centers. Outside of clinical work, he enjoys breaking Just Dance! records and writing his blog, Inside the Human Circuit.

Lab Alumni
Gabriella Buono (Research Technician, 2025)
Previous Trainees 
Sarah Rajan (Spring 2024)-Rutgers Universtity The Douglass Project SUPER undergarduate
Madison Yip (2024- 2025)-Rutgers University The Dorothy and David Cooper Summer Research Fellowship
Natalie Kim (Summer 2024)-Rutgers University The Aresty Research Assistant Program
Zoya Mahmood (Spring 2024)-Rutgers Universtity The Douglass Project SUPER undergarduate
Faiza Ramadan (2022-2024)-Rutgers Universtity The Douglass Project SUPER undergarduate
Pranav Manoj (2022-2024)-Rutgers Undergraduate
Jessica Dau (2022-2023)-Rutgers Universtity The Douglass Project SUPER undergarduate

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Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey
140 E. Hanover Ave.,
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
Phone: 973- 294 1757