Associate Professor Ajay S. Mathuru
ACCEPTING PHD STUDENTS
Faculty & Department
Joint Appointments
Associate Professor, Physiology, N.1 Institute for Health
Associate Professor, Dean Of Faculty, Yale NUS College
Associate Professor, Physiology, Medicine
Head of Studies in Life Sciences, Dean of Faculty, Yale-NUS College
Associate Professor, N.1 Institute for Health, N.1 Institute for Health
Jt Appt - Associate Professor, Dean of Faculty, Yale-NUS College
Joint Principal Investigator, IMCB
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
Contact Information
Are you a curious mind, passionate about neuroscience?
Our lab is a vibrant hub where we explore the intersection of neuroscience, behavior, genetics, and technology. We’re building cutting-edge tools to understand how brains work and how to apply these insights to study disorders of the human brain.
What you’ll do:
- Conduct experiments to understand the neural mechanisms underlying reward processing, social behavior, and sensory perception.
- Learn and implement cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, genetics, opto-physiology, and computational neuroscience.
- Use computational methods, machine learning, and AI to extract insights from experimental data, including EEG and behavioral data.
- Work alongside neuroscientists, engineers, and data scientists.
- Share your knowledge and skills with other lab members.
What you’ll need:
- A strong interest in neuroscience and animal behavior.
- A background in one of the following will certainly help: neuroscience, computer science, molecular biology, microscopy, genetics, or data analytics.
- A passion for learning and a knack for problem-solving.
- Experience with using Python or R to apply for data analyses.
- A creative mind and a sense of humor
Areas of current interest:
- Neurogenetics of reward processing and neurodevelopment
- Neuroethology
- Applications of technology to improve mental health
Come join us and shape the research of the neurogenetics and neurobehavioral lab.
My laboratory is focused on understanding how neural circuits generate complex behaviors. We are particularly interested in the neural mechanisms underlying reward-seeking, avoidance, and social behaviors.
We utilize the zebrafish model to study these behaviors, which allows for precise genetic and optical manipulations. We develop innovative tools to quantify natural behaviors, such as preferences, social interactions, and responses to various stimuli. Recent work in our lab, such as our study on the role of chrna3 in alcohol response, and how the habenula-interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) circuit modulates vertebrate behavior highlights the power of this approach.
By applying these insights, we aim to model human brain disorders, including addiction, anxiety disorders, depression, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and social behavioral disorders.
My Mentoring Style
How would you describe your mentoring style in terms of freedom given to your students?
Selecting Research Topics?
How do you guide your PhD students in selecting research topics?
Setbacks / Challenges
How do you handle setbacks or challenges faced by your PhD students?
Feedback
How do you give feedback on your students’ thesis drafts and progress?
Consultation Frequency
How often do you typically meet your PhD students one-on-one for consultation?
Research Group Meetings
How often do you typically hold lab meetings where your PhD students present their research work to the class?
Having spent most of my professional career in academia, I have come to appreciate the value of open communication between scientists, collaborators, and lab members. The following is a synthesis that is inspired by several sources: conversations, supervision style I have seen and admired, and those I have read about.
Expectations for PhD Students
I still fondly remember my days as a PhD student. It’s a privilege to now be on the other side of this journey. Here’s what I expect from you as a PhD student:
- Intellectual Curiosity and Critical Thinking: Actively engage in the research process, question assumptions, and think critically about your work. A healthy dose of scientific skepticism is vital, but so is the ability to make sound interpretations.
- Ownership of Research: Take the initiative, set reasonable, but clear goals, and work independently to drive your research forward.
- Effective Communication: Clearly articulate your ideas both verbally and in writing. Be open to feedback and willing to collaborate with others.
- Time Management and Organization: Prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a well-organized workflow.
- Ethical Conduct: Adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, including honest data collection, accurate reporting, and responsible data sharing. This is not for someone else, but it is for you. Value the time you are investing.
- Professionalism: Represent yourself and the lab professionally. Be punctual, respectful, and collaborative with your peers.
- Detailed Record-Keeping: Maintain a well-organized electronic lab notebook and store data accessibly.
What you can expect from me
Science is an iteratively collaborative process. It is fair for you to have certain expectations of your supervisor. I can outline what you can expect from me as your supervisor, I will:
- Provide Guidance and Support: I will be available to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide feedback on your research.
- Create a Positive and Supportive Lab Environment: I strive to create a positive and inclusive lab culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Respect Your Independence: I believe in empowering my students to take ownership of their research. I will provide guidance and support, but ultimately, the success of your project is in your hands. I am hands-off often, but that is to give you the space to grow rather than due to lack of interest.
- Promote Professional Development: I will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a researcher.
- Learn Together: Remember, I am also learning with you as we research together (and grow as a mentor). I may not have an answer but together we could think of the right questions to ask.