Lab Members

Dr. Lily Yan, Principal Investigator

I received my Ph.D. in Physiology from Kobe University School of Medicine (Japan) in 2000 and had a post-doctoral training at Columbia University, during which my research focused on the molecular and neural mechanisms of circadian rhythms. I joined the faculty at Michigan State University in 2008, since then my research program has focused on the interplay of circadian clocks and ambient light in the regulation of emotion and cognition.  For more information, see my CV or email me.

Katrina Linning-Duffy, Laboratory Manager

KatrinaKatrina 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.

Allison Costello, Graduate Student

I graduated from Wright State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. As an undergraduate I worked in the laboratories of Dr. Dragana Claflin and Dr. Michael Hennessy, researching early life stress and inflammation. In the Yan lab I am currently studying how light affects neuroinflammatory response and emotion, and the mechanisms behind it.

Nolan Lucera, Research Assistant

I am a first year undergraduate student in Lyman Briggs and my current major is neuroscience. After my four years at Michigan State University, I plan to attend medical school. In terms of research, I am particularly interested in sleep and how various conditions impact its quality, specifically blue light. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to the gym, listening to music, and going to home football games.

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. 

Jamie Shi, Research Assistant 

Jamie is a senior majoring in Psychology at Michigan State University. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Behavioral Neuroscience upon graduation. She is interested in how light condition affects anxiety or anxiety-like behaviors. Outside of the lab she is an active participant at the MSU Dementia Care Support Office as a student assistant and coordinator. 

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.