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, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Lab: Research Tower, Room 308,675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Twitter: @cao_ruifeng
Dr. Ruifeng 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 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.
Postdoctoral Associates
Hao Lin, PhD: hao.lin2022@rutgers.edu
I am a postdoctoral fellow in Cao’s lab. 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.
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: hr432@rutgers.edu
Xiaohua Zhang, PhD
I earned my Ph.D. from Xi’an Jiaotong University, followed by postdoctoral research experience at Xiamen University, where I delved deep into the fascinating world of neuroscience. My research passions lie in exploring the intricate interactions between astrocytes and neurons. My primary interest is unraveling the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and identifying potential prevention strategies. Currently, as a visiting researcher in Dr. Cao’s lab, I am studying the role of circadian rhythms in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Outside the lab, I like dancing, travelling and reading.
Yuling Luo, MD, PhD
I received my MD and PhD from Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. My research focused on the relationship between depression and neuroinflammation. Now, as a postdoctoral researcher, I have joined Cao’s lab, where I will study the connection between depression and the mTOR pathway. Outside the lab, I enjoy painting and video games.
Visiting Scholars
Ismaheel Adeniyi, M.S.: iaa54@rwjms.rutgers.edu
I have been fascinated by the concept of jet lag due to the disruption of the circadian rhythm since my undergraduate studies. During my graduate study, I learned about how the disruption of circadian rhythms leads to derangement in molecular pathways responsible for myriad physiological functions. As a visiting researcher in Dr. Cao’s lab, I am enthusiastic about investigating molecular pathways responsible for the neuropsychiatric behaviors observed following circadian rhythm disruption.
Doctoral Students
Megan Schupp, M.S.: ms3749@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am a 2nd-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).
Undergraduates
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.
Allyson Fu: af939@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am an undergraduate student majoring in computer science as well as cell biology and neuroscience. At the intersection of my studies, I am passionate about applying computational methods to explore biological processes, and I hope to learn more about the influence of clock dysfunction on psychiatric disorders in the Cao Lab. In my free time, I love to dance and choreograph for Rutgers Performing Dance Company.
Connie Lin: cl1462@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I’m a senior undergraduate student majoring in biomedical engineering, with 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.
