Lab Members
Principal Investigator
Ruifeng (Ray) Cao, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology
Phone: (732) 235 4071
Email: ruifeng.cao@rutgers.edu
Office: Research Tower, Room 346
Lab: Research Tower, Room 308, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
X: @cao_ruifeng
Dr. Cao received his MD in clinical medicine specializing in neurosurgery from the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi’an, China. He later received his PhD in molecular and cellular neuroscience from the Ohio State University. Dr. Cao has worked on the mammalian brain circadian clock since he was a graduate student in Dr. Karl Obrietan’s laboratory. He first discovered the mTOR pathway in the SCN circadian clock that is regulated by light at night and circadian clock. As a postdoctoral fellow at HHMI and McGill University with Drs. Nahum Sonenberg and Shimon Amir at McGill University, Dr. Cao studied mRNA translation control mechanisms in the circadian clock. He found the mTORC1/4E-BP pathway regulates the Vip mRNA translation and SCN neuronal synchrony. He also found phosphorylation of the cap-binding protein eIF4E facilitates mRNA translation of Per1 and Per2. Dr. Cao worked as an assistant professor and an associate professor at University of Minnesota Medical School from 2016 to 2023. His lab first identified the integrated stress response centered on the eIF2 signaling in the SCN circadian clock. In collaboration, his lab also established mTOR as a ubiquitous circadian regulator of central and peripheral circadian clocks. Recently, his lab characterized the Bmal1 mutant mice as novel mouse models of autism spectrum disorders, establishing a link between circadian dysfunction and autism. He is currently a tenured associate professor of neuroscience and chronobiology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University.
Lab Manager
Hao Lin, PhD
hao.lin2022@rutgers.edu
I obtained my PhD. from China Agricultural University in Beijing, China. My research is focuses on to unraveling the basic mechanism of mTOR signaling pathway in regulating the circadian rhythm in mammals and related neuropsychiatric disorders. I also oversees the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, managing inventory and equipment maintenance, and supervising undergraduate researchers.
Visiting Researchers
Michael Oraebosi, PhD
mo687@rwjms.rutgers.edu
I was fascinated about circadian rhythm research during my MSc in pharmacology and hence continued the same line of research for my Ph.D. in pharmacology, both at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. My research in chronopharmacology explores the use of biological clocks in drug delivery as a disease mitigation strategy.
Hanuma Naik Ramavath, PhD
I completed my Ph.D. at the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), India, where I developed a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Cao’s lab, where my research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) and mTOR signaling pathways. Specifically, I investigate how these pathways are regulated under various cellular stressors and circadian cues, using both in vitro and in vivo models. This work aims to advance our understanding of how cells integrate environmental and temporal signals to maintain homeostasis and respond to physiological challenges.
Graduate Student
Megan Schupp, M.S.
ms3749@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am a 3rd-year Cell and Developmental Biology PhD student in the Molecular Biosciences Program, and I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Penn State and my Master’s degree in Applied Statistics at the University of Delaware. I worked as a post-baccalaureate in the NIH Postbac IRTA Program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), examining the role of BMP signaling in the zebrafish lateral line. My current research is investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in Fragile X syndrome (FXS).
Research Assistant
Connie Lin, B.S.
cl1462@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I recently graduated with my B.S in biomedical engineering. I have a strong interest in exploring how circadian rhythms impact drug delivery through molecular mechanisms. I’m eager to contribute to our lab’s research on biological clocks. Outside of lab, I enjoy reading and drawing.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Isabella Ivankovic
ili3@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am currently a Cell Biology and Neuroscience major in the Rutgers University Honors College class of 2026. In the Cao Lab, I’m excited to learn about the underlying mechanisms behind the regulation of circadian rhythms and their relationship to the pathogenesis of diseases like autism and depression. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, painting, and working as a volunteer at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Fiona Chau
fc467@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am an undergraduate student majoring in biology. I am interested in learning about the mechanisms underlying the circadian rhythm and how disruptions to its pathways contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going on long walks and reading.
Angel Ulloa
angel.ulloa@rutgers.edu
I am a future biology major on the pre-med track in Rutgers University at the school of arts and sciences. In this lab, I’m excited to learn about the different processes and how the inner clock of organisms affect the way that organisms react to the world around them. Outside of this, I enjoy playing volleyball, working out, and listening to music.
