Dr. Lily Yan, Principal Investigator
I joined the faculty at MSU in 2008. Leveraging a unique diurnal rodent model, Nile grass rat, available here at MSU, my research program has focused on the interplay of circadian clocks and ambient light in the regulation of emotion and cognition. Recently, we established novel mutant lines of diurnal grass rats using CRISPR-based gene editing, to examine the mechanisms responsible for circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances.
For more information, see my CV or email me.
Katrina Linning-Duffy, Laboratory Manager
Katrina attended Claflin University and the graduate program in Microbiology at Michigan State University. She completed her courses and began working as a Research Technologist in Dr. Karl Olson’s laboratory in MSU’s Physiology Department. Since then she has worked in a few neuroscience labs, through which she has gained extensive experience in studying neuropetides, neurotransmitters, animal behaviors as well as in lab management.
Jamie Shi, Graduate Student
I graduated from Michigan State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. As an undergrad volunteer, I worked with Dr. Lily Yan on studying the effects of ovarian hormones on sleep and activity patterns in female grass rats. After graduation, I stayed in Yan lab as a research assistant working on creating an animal model for Smith-Magenis Syndrome(SMS), a neuro development disorder, using CRSPR-based genome editing techniques. In Fall 2024, I joined Yan lab as a PhD student, I am interested in investigating daily rhythms and sleep of the SMS disease model and characterizing the cognitive functions of the Rai1 deficient grass rats. In my free time, I enjoy exploring different areas of the mitten, hiking, baking, and going to barre classes!
Sam Tauriainen, Research Assistant
I am a second-year undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience. After graduating I plan to pursue a graduate degree and ultimately work in neuroscience research. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, cooking, and sewing.
Meena Kannan, Research Assistant
Meena is currently a sophomore in the Lyman Briggs college at Michigan State University majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in cognitive science and Pharmacology & Toxicology. She plans to attend medical school upon the completion of her undergraduate degree. Outside of lab, Meena is part of the Sexual Assult Crisis Intervention team and is currently interested in how the amount of light affects cognitive functions, emotions and neuroinflammation.
Viola Weber, Research Assistant
I am a first-year undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan on attending medical school and hope to eventually work with spinal cord injuries. Outside of the lab, I love to hangout with my dog, play oboe, and crochet.
Amy Liu, Research Assistant
I am a third-year undergrad student majoring in neuroscience with a minor in cognitive science. After graduation, I plan to pursue a graduate degree to ultimately work in neuroscience research. I am currently interested in the mechanisms underlying how light can impact behavior and anxiety. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to hockey games, trying new restaurants, and baking.