Yuxiao Wu

EDUCATION

College / University

ShanghaiTech University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Biological Science

P.R. China

Lab Experience

Genetic engineering, Gene editing, Flow cytometry sorting, Plasmid construction, TA clone, Cell culture, Transfection, PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, Western blot. Electrophysiology, Optogenetics, Calcium imaging, Mouse behaviour assays and analysis, Mouse genotyping, Brain dissection, Brain perfusion, Cryo-sectioning, Immunohistochemistry, Human EEG data collection and analysis. Programming in Python, MATLAB, C++, Machine learning, 3D modelling and printing

Projects / Research

2025: Neural Tide – an Interactive Art Installation Discussing the Neural Signal and Ourselves (completed at ShanghaiTech University, China, exhibited at Linz Ars Electronica 2025, Austria)
2024 - 2025: Exploration of the Role and Mechanism of Cortical Oscillation Synchrony in Memory Information Processing (ShanghaiTech University, China)
2024: Exploration into the Neural Underpinnings of Social Buffering (Northwestern University, United States of America)
2022 - 2023: Directed Evolution of NAD+ Biosynthetic Enzyme NAMPT Using TRACE System (ShanghaiTech University, China)

Scholarships / Awards

2025 - 2026:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2025:	Outstanding Graduate (ShanghaiTech University)
2024 - 2025:	Special Scholarship for the Undergraduate Overseas Summer Research Program (ShanghaiTech University)
2023:	Second National Prize of China Undergraduate Life Sciences Contest (CULSC)

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

My scientific interest centers on the neural mechanisms of social behavior and emotions, processes essential to human well-being yet disrupted in many psychiatric disorders. How brain circuits and cell types coordinate to generate these behaviors and emotions remains poorly understood. I have learned and explored this topic through behavioral analysis, electrophysiology, and neural activity imaging during my undergraduate studies. For my graduate years, I plan to study how information flows between different brain regions during social interaction using precise neural manipulation and recording in freely behaving animals. Ultimately, I aim to bridge basic discoveries and clinical strategies to enhance social connection and emotional health.