Lab members

Leena Ali Ibrahim, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
I earned my B.Sc and M.Sc degrees from the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Following that, I undertook my doctoral training at the University of Southern California in the labs of Li I Zhang and Whit Tao. During this time, my research investigated cross-modal interactions within the sensory cortex. Subsequently, I relocated to the East Coast for postdoctoral research in Gord Fishell’s lab at Harvard Medical School. Here, my work centered on unraveling the developmental integration of layer 1 interneurons within sensory cortices. Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a passion for exploring new places, savoring diverse cuisines, and enjoying quality time with my feline companions.

Jenifa Shahul Hameed
Lab Manager

I completed my Master’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering in India and I am currently the lab manager for the Neurocircuits lab. I love to travel, explore new places and experience different cultures.

Nor Linda Abdullah
Research Associate II

I graduated with an MSc focusing on Developmental Neurobiology from University of Malaya, Malaysia. I work with small mammals and imaging. The joy and satisfaction of taking care of these animals and capturing interesting images are rewarding.

Tania Reyes Vallejo
PhD Student

Mohammed Soheib, MD.
PhD. Student

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Bioscience as part of the MD-PhD program under the Smart Health Initiative. I developed an affinity for neuroscience research while in medical school. I am passionate about further understanding the underlying aberrations in brain circuitry that occur in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric illnesses. I enjoy journaling, traveling, and learning new languages.

Giulia Sansone
PhD. Student

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Bioscience. I graduated in Neurobiology and I had the chance to explore different fields of neuroscience. Currently, I am working on how inflammation affects sensory circuits and I am very excited about it. My passions other than neuroscience are painting, playing piano and singing, metal music, photography, and theatrical makeup.

Cecilia Gonzales Alvarez
PhD Student (Co-supervised with Prof. David Gomez-Cabrero)

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics. For my research, I study alternative splicing in the brain at the single-cell level. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling and doing ceramics.

Cynthia Baldelamar Juarez
PhD Student

I am a Biomedical Engineer currently pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering. My research is mainly focused on understanding the alterations in inhibition and neural connectivity in Autism mouse models. On my free time, I really enjoy painting and spending time watching Netflix with my cat.

Haojie Ye
PhD Student

I obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in China, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in the field of neuroscience. I enjoy thinking about the principles behind the existence and functioning of the brain from a neuroscientist’s perspective. The mysteries of the brain, including the human mind and consciousness, deeply fascinate me. I also love exploring different regions, learning about diverse cultures, and meeting new people.

Norah Alghamdi, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

I am a bioinformatician and currently working as a postdoctoral fellow as part of the National Academic Talent Development program at KAUST. I am interested in developing novel computational methods to integrate multiple data types to understand the mechanism of memory, learning, and sensory processing. During my free time, I like traveling and spending time socially communicating.

Mansour Alyahyay, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

I am a systems neuroscientist and postdoctoral fellow at KAUST. My research focuses on understanding how the brain forms and utilizes sensory experiences by investigating neural circuits in the rodent neocortex. In my free time, I enjoy climbing mountains with my bike and have recently developed an interest in water sports.

Deyl S. Djama, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science with a focus on Neuroscience and Human Anatomy & Physiology from King’s College London. I then completed a MSc in Translational Neuroscience from Imperial College London where I concentrated on neurodegenerative diseases and healthy aging. Next, I pursued a PhD in Neuroscience where I focused on the role of thalamic interneurons in the integration and relay of sensory information through the use of electrophysiological and structural techniques.