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
MS/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.

Aseel Alammari
MS Student

I am currently a student pursuing a Master’s degree in Bioscience. I have always been fascinated by the workings of the brain and how it controls our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading, writing, and traveling.

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.