Xiaopeng is currently investigating central auditory pathology in rodent models of autism and hearing disorders.

Shang’s long term career goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying thalamocortical neural dynamics during sensory perception in health and pathological conditions. Currently she is investigating the contribution of thalamocortical network to auditory processing deficits in Fragile X Syndrome.

Walker is planning to work on the relationship between long range frontal cortical circuits and local auditory circuits and how this relationship is altered with Fragile X syndrome. Along this line of inquiry, he would like to explore this framework developmentally. He is also interested in Ultrasonic Vocalizations of rats and how their verbal communication and social adaptions are altered with Fragile X syndrome.

Manasi’s current work in lab is focused on investigating the molecular links between inhibitory interneuron dysfunction and circuit hyperexcitability in genetically distinct rat models of autism. She is planning to work on identifying convergent or divergent molecular changes underlying the pathophysiology of Fragile X Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Haichao is working on electrophysiology studies and behavior assaying. Haichao graduated from the University of Illinois in May 2024 with a masters in Bioengineering.

Farheen became the Auerbach lab manager in Summer '25, blending her Bachelor's in Behavioral Neuroscience from Illinois and previous work experiences across behavioral health, education, and research science. She has interest in the biological mechanisms underlying consciousness and learning, particularly in the ways sensory perception and memory recall contribute to decision making and behavior-- and in investigating the ways these pathways are altered by stress, trauma, and other inheritable epigenetic factors at a cellular level.

Claire graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2025, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. As a research technician, she works to care for the rat colony and helps to supervise the behavior lab. Her main interest is in personality disorders and their neurological bases.

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