Chunmei Wang Lab Members

I started my scientific career from exploring the androgens actions in the gonads (as a Ph.D. candidate), to unravelling neuroendocrine mechanisms for sex differences in energy balance (as a postdoctoral fellow). These previous experiences equipped me with sufficient knowledge and skills in studying functions of sex hormones in the central nervous system. My current goal is to expand my research to explore brain estrogenic actions in the regulation of energy balance under different physiological conditions, including sex differences in response to nutritional challenges, female body weight and feeding controls in menopause, pregnancy and lactation. I hope that results from my research will identify rational targets for developing therapeutic strategies for neuroendocrine disorders in females, specifically the dysregulation of sex hormones and associated metabolic diseases.

Ms. Lidia Ramirez graduate from Texas A&M University in Spring of 2024 with a bachelor's in forensic science. 

During the summer of 2023, she interned at the Houston Forensic Science Center and gained more insight into the Biology discipline under their department. She hopes to learn and gain more experience in the field and techniques involved in working in a biology lab. In late February of 2025, she joined Dr. Wang's lab as a Research Technician. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, games, and music.

I graduated from the University of Houston-Main in 2019 with my bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Medicine and Society. I received my master’s degree in Cell Systems and Anatomy from the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio in 2021. During my graduate work I studied adiponectin signaling and liver metabolism under the direction of Dr. Lily Dong. My project involved determining the localization of adiponectin receptor 2 under various dietary conditions and its impact on adiponectin signaling. I developed an appreciation for cell signaling and metabolic research during this time. I worked at MD Anderson from 2021 to 2023 as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Michael Andreeff. I worked on determining resistance mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia to a cMyc degrader using various in vitro techniques, including mitochondrial respiration assays and flow cytometry. The skills and knowledge gained during and after my master’s drove me to pursue my doctorate. I began my journey at Baylor fall of 2023 with the interest of delving more into how the brain regulates our metabolism. This led to me to join Dr. Wang’s lab where I study how estrogen signaling in the brain impacts metabolism.

I am originally from China and earned my Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. I have been engaged in neuroscience research for over a decade since 2013, beginning with electrophysiological studies. Prior to that, I obtained my medical degree from Wannan Medical College.

My research interests focus on fundamental principles of neuroscience and the treatment of neurological disorders, including neural coding mechanisms underlying somatosensory processing, thermal sensation, and metabolic regulation. Currently, my work centers on investigating the role of estrogen in thermoregulation and its related metabolic effects.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and cherishing the everyday growth of my children.

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a minor in Kinesiology and Health Education. During undergrad, I studied cancer cell metabolism, particularly the inhibitory effects of ND-646 on fatty acid synthesis in various prostate cancer cell lines. This research experience was invaluable and solidified my interest in the broad and fascinating field of metabolism. Additionally, it led me to join the Wang Lab where I now have the exciting opportunity to study how the brain controls and regulates metabolism through various mouse models. In my free time, I love to read classics, play volleyball, and teach Zumba!

Mr. Benjamin Eappen graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in Spring 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a minor in religious studies. Throughout his life, he has always been curious about learning how biological systems influence the way people behave and derive their personalities. After taking a biochemistry lab in college, he became interested in the idea of seeing real-life applications of his classes in a research environment. Before he joined Wang lab, he was part of the Blumenthal-Barby lab at Baylor College of Medicine where he investigated ways to include adolescent patients in their decision-making so treatment options can be tailored towards their values. This experience was instrumental in growing his interest to understand the underlying mechanisms that influence behavior, leading him to find this opportunity with Wang Lab. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and going on long walks with his family and his mini-poodle, Cyrus. He also travel to Austin frequently to watch his alma mater play football. Go Longhorns! 

I received my Ph.D. degree from Fudan University (in China). I majored in neuroscience for the genetic target and molecular mechanism for therapeutic treatment of Huntington’s disease. Then I joined the CNRC at Baylor College of Medicine as a postdoc in September 2018. During postdoc period, my studies mainly focused on the central system regulation of energy homeostasis including: 

• Neuroendocrine mechanisms for sex differences in ARH neuron functions and energy homeostasis.
• Neuroendocrine mechanisms for metabolic adaptations during lactation.
• Neuroendocrine mechanisms for metabolic changes in postpartum moms.

I hope that this research will help us know more about neuron regulations of metabolic homeostasis in females and provide potential therapeutic strategy for metabolic diseases.