Zhi Zhang

Zhi "Elena" Zhang is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.13 She holds both an M.D. and a Ph.D., with her doctoral degree in Biology/Neuroscience from Wesleyan University.1 Her research focuses on neurobiology and neuroscience, particularly in areas related to neurological disorders and brain development.1

Education and Background

Dr. Zhang's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Biology/Neuroscience from Wesleyan University, where her research focused on NMDA receptor-mediated neuroplasticity in learning and memory1
• M.S. in Molecular Neurobiology from Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, with a focus on gene therapy in Parkinson's disease1
• M.D. in Clinical Medicine from Capital Medical University in Beijing, China1

Research Interests

Dr. Zhang's research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of neurological disorders and develop therapies for their treatment.1 Her work explores:

• Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cortical function and plasticity
• Links between intrauterine/perinatal experiences and the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders
• Effects of prenatal infections and perinatal brain trauma on neuroinflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity
• Improvement of neuronal function and cognitive deficits by addressing neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity

Recent Work

Recently, Dr. Zhang has been involved in an NIH-funded project investigating the impacts of head trauma on the blood-brain barrier.4 This research, conducted in collaboration with Assistant Professor Jie Fan, aims to delve deeper into understanding brain injuries and their effects.

Dr. Zhang has published numerous research papers in reputable scientific journals, with her work receiving over 1,390 citations.5 Her contributions span various areas of neuroscience and nanotechnology, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to research.2