From left, Back row: Sayori Gordon, Izumi Fukunaga, Xiangchun Ju (collaborator, Pääbo Unit), Patrick Stoney, Adam Mago, Josefine Reuschenbach, Shin-Yu Lee (collaborator, Pääbo Unit)
Front row: Ines Ribeiro, Sourjya Bhaibabee Nath, Xiaochen Fu, Yu-Pei Huang
Members

Adam Mago (Post-doc)
PhD Neuroscience
Semmelwise University
Patrick Stoney (Staff Scientist)
PhD Medical Sciences
University of Aberdeen
Xiaochen Fu (PhD student)
I am a PhD student. My research focuses on neural coding mechanisms in the olfactory system, particularly exploring how rate, timing and synchrony are used in neural coding in olfactory bulb outputs, combining in vivo optogenetics and behavioral tests. Before joining OIST, I completed my undergraduate studies in physics at Beijing Normal University. In my spare time, I participate in the campus peer support program, offering emotional and social support to fellow students.
See more on my Personal website
Josefine Reuschenbach (PhD student)
I am a PhD student interested in how higher brain regions process olfactory information - in particular, in odour similarity encoding and context-dependent neural modulation. I use Neuropixel recordings and behavioural experiments to explore these questions. Before joining OIST, I completed my Master’s degree in Developmental, Neural and Behavioral Biology at the University of Göttingen (Germany).
Outside the lab, I am involved in sustainability initiatives on campus and have contributed to carbon-removal projects.
Recipient of DC2 fellowship from JSPS.
Sourjya Baibhabee Nath (PhD student)
M.Sc.
IISER Kolkata

Yu-Pei Huang (Research Unit Technician)
I’m a molecular biologist with a passion for understanding life from the cellular to the systems level. My work combines a wide range of hands-on bench techniques with behind-the-scenes support that keeps the lab running smoothly. I began my journey at OIST, where I worked with Drosophila and marine organisms, building solid experience in immunohistochemistry and basic bioinformatics. Outside the lab, you’ll usually find me surfing or soaking in the beauty of Okinawa’s ocean—a place that keeps me grounded, curious, and inspired.
M.Sc. Biotechnology
National Chung Hsing University

Maria Inês Ribeiro (Research Unit Technician)
I'm the technician responsible for helping my fellow lab members with histology-related tasks. I'm from Portugal, and I hold a bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences and a master’s in Molecular Neurobiology. My thesis work, carried out in the Carey Lab at Champalimaud, explored the spatial and temporal dynamics of cerebellar memory in mice — an experience that sparked my interest in systems neuroscience and experimental design.
By a series of fortunate coincidences, I found myself in Japan, working at the Funamizu Lab (IQB, University of Tokyo) on a project exploring dopamine’s role in auditory decision-making under uncertainty. A vacation to Okinawa introduced me to OIST, and I feel incredibly lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place.
Outside the lab, I love reading, crafting, and spending time with my partner and friends —ideally with the sea nearby.
MSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology
(Specialization in Neurobiology)
University of Coimbra