
Yong Kim, PhD
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University
Core Member, Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University
I earned my PhD at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in Korea, where I studied phospholipid lipase-mediated signal transduction in the lab of Drs. Sung Ho Ryu and Pann-Ghill Suh.
I completed my postdoc training in molecular and cellular neuroscience research in Dr. Paul Greengard’s lab at The Rockefeller University. After completion of my postdoc, I stayed in the lab as a research group leader, collaborating with Dr. Greengard to study molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and drug addiction.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy running around my neighborhood park and spending time with my family. I am easily excited when I encounter gophers, geese, or deer on campus, especially the gopher family living near the receiving dock in the Research Tower building. My favorite outdoor activity is fishing although my last fishing trip was about 30 years ago. I believe I am a talented cook at home, with genius ideas for aliquoting whatever cooking ingredients, titrating salts, and reconstituting leftovers.
Email me: yk539@rwjms.rutgers.edu
Anandakumar Shunmugavel, PhD
Research Scientist II
I earned my doctoral degree in neuroscience from M.S. University, India. I did my postdoctoral training in behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, and quantitative medical imaging at National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland.
My previous research interest was in understanding the functions of the prefrontal cortex and improving those functions after mild traumatic brain injury using rodent and ferret animal models and controlled cortical impact closed head injury model of engineered rotational acceleration (CHIMERA) and blast injury devices. Thus I have an additional interest in neuroplasticity, learning and memory, executive functions, and social behavior. I have used multimodal structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging in my research effort in addition to biochemical and cell biological tools.
Apart from my academic interests, I’m passionate about my hobbies which include reading, writing poems in my mother tongue Tamil, listening to music, practicing acoustic guitar, and playing pool and outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, photography, and driving to the countryside and beach.
Publications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=anandakumar+shunmugavel
Email me: as3776@rwjms.rutgers.edu
Bruno Carabelli
Postdoctoral Fellow

I earned my doctoral degree in Physiology University is Federal University of Parana. My main interest and work were using different animal models of Depression and potential new therapies to prevent this illness. One of the compounds I studied was omega 3, which is a family of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, supplemented via Fish Oil in different phases, such as during gestation and lactation and in adult life. Also, I performed small studies testing Ketamine and Buprenorphine in a depression model with an immune challenge in mice.
Before joining Dr. Kim’s lab, I was doing a postdoctoral study using a mouse model of Gulf War Illness, at the University of California, Riverside. Gulf War Illness is a severe illness that afflicts one-third of the nearly 700,000 U.S. troops who served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. This disease is characterized by a variety of symptoms and co-morbidities, such as Depression, Anxiety, Gastrointestinal disturbances, Fatigue, and muscle/joint pain. We investigated the changes in the microbiota of mice exposed to the chemicals and the potential reversal of the phenotype using probiotics supplementation.
My hobbies include outdoor exercise like walking in parks, reading, movies, and listening to music.
Indu Vaddiparti

Student Research Assistant
I graduated from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in math. Previously, I have partaken in research at Massachusetts General Hospital/Northeastern investigating affect regulation and Alzheimer’s disease. I have also completed a research internship at the Lichtman Lab in Harvard University, during which I analyzed filopodial extensions of dendrites and their different functions and classifications.
I am really excited to be a part of Dr. Kim’s lab! I aspire to attend medical school and become a physician in the future.
In my free time, I enjoy practicing and performing Carnatic classical vocal music and spending time with my family.

Avantika Raman
Student Assistant
I’m a junior at Rutgers University majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in psychology. I have previously interned at Body 1, where I worked as a data science intern to collect and consolidate information for a pharmacy company. Additionally, I spent a year as a part-time tech at Beverly Hospital where I got certified in various clinical skills such as phlebotomy and EKG. This opportunity allowed me to work closely with nurses and doctors during the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m the founder of RU SOARS, a fully recognized research-based organization on campus.
I am excited to be a part of Dr.Kim’s lab and help my lab members with their tasks including PCR and gel electrophoresis. I’m also looking forward to working with mice for DNA sample collection too!
In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, electric guitar, and going on hikes.
Email me: ar1598@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Come join our lab!
We’re looking for passionate postdocs and research staff to join our lab. For inquiries about our open postdoc positions, please email Dr. Kim and submit an application below.
Past Lab Members & Close Colleagues

Former Research Assistant
Clinical Research Associate at Bristol Myers Squibb

Former Research Assistant
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Medical Student

Former Research Assistant
Economics PhD from Princeton
Assistant Professor at Cornell

Former Research Assistant
Neuroscience PhD Student at Harvard

Former Postdoc
Science Informationist at the Rockefeller University

Visiting Postdoc

Former Research Assistant
MD/PhD Student at University of Iowa MSTP

Former Research Assistant

Former Research Assistant
Physician

Former Research Assistant
Medical Fellowship at Weill Cornell

Former Research Assistant
PhD from NCBS Bangalore
Postdoc at University of Chicago

Former Postdoc
Senior Scientist at Encoded Therapeutics

Former Research Assistant
Physician

Visiting Professor
Professor at KAIST, Korea

Former Research Assistant
MD/PhD Student at UC Irvine MSTP

Former Postdoc

Former Postdoc

Former Research Assistant

Former Postdoc
Associate Professor at DIGIST, Korea

Former Research Assistant
BBS PhD Student at Yale University

Former Postdoc

Former Research Assistant
MD/PhD Student at Mayo Clinic MSTP

Former Research Assistant
Analyst in MCRC group at Weill Cornell
We also want to thank Dr. Paul Greengard, one of our biggest mentors, who not only pushed us to be better scientists but also better people. Being a part of his lab was a great honor.