Our Team

Dr. Jing-Qiong (Katty) Kang is a distinguished figure in the field of epilepsy research, holding the position of associate professor at Vanderbilt University Department of Neurology since September 2016. Her academic affiliations extend to the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, and the Pharmacology department at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, highlighting her extensive involvement in various research and academic institutions.

Dr. Kang's expertise in epilepsy research has earned her invitations to present her work at numerous national and international institutes and conferences. Some of the notable events where she has shared her research include the American Epilepsy Meeting (AES), Fukuoka University Medical School, Case Western Reserve University, and the Beijing Tiantan Neurosurgery Summit. Her role as the chair for the Basic Mechanisms and Neuroscience symposium at the AES meeting from 2015 to 2018 further underscores her leadership and influence in the field.

Dr. Kang's contributions to epilepsy research have been recognized through awards from esteemed organizations such as Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), Dravet.org (formerly known as IDEA-League), Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing our understanding of epilepsy and her commitment to finding effective treatments.

One of her current major undertakings is leading a significant effort aimed at developing treatment options for epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with GABA transporter 1 encoding SLC6A1. This work holds the potential to make a substantial impact on the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.

Dr. Kang's academic journey includes earning an MD/PhD degree from Tongji Medical University in China. Before her current role, she worked at Tongji Hospital and subsequently joined Dr. Kenneth Maiese's lab at Wayne State University Department of Neurology in August 2001, focusing on neurodegeneration. Her tenure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center began in 2003 when she joined Dr. Robert Macdonald's lab, where she has continued her groundbreaking research in epilepsy.

Dr. Jing-Qiong Kang's impressive academic background, extensive research contributions, and leadership in the field of epilepsy make her a highly respected and influential figure in the scientific community. Her work has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of epilepsy and improve the lives of individuals affected by this condition.

Wangzhen is a highly experienced and accomplished member of the Kang lab, with a strong background in biochemistry and over a decade of work experience in China before coming to the United States. She has been a key part of the lab for two decades, specializing in biochemistry and molecular biology, which includes vital skills like DNA recombination, mutagenesis, RNA quantification, and gene expression analysis. Wangzhen is not only a talented researcher but also plays a crucial role in coordinating complex research projects. She values work-life balance and enjoys spending time with her family, and her gardening hobby reflects her well-rounded interests.

Dr. Kirill Zavalin is a postdoctoral fellow investigating patho-mechanisms involving GABAergic neurotransmission in genetic epilepsies. He specializes in electrophysiological techniques to characterize GABAergic neurotransmission pathologies in mouse models of genetic epilepsy. His PhD thesis research is in development of GABAergic neurons in the brain, and the compositional adaptations that occur in the GABAergic system during development. 

      Melissa is a well-rounded individual with a strong academic background, holding degrees in neuroscience, chemistry, and health informatics. She is dedicated to her research on GABA transporter 3 (GAT-3) and its role in the GABAergic signaling pathway, using her expertise in molecular biology. Her work has significant implications for understanding brain function and neurological disorders. Outside of her academic pursuits, Melissa is an active sports enthusiast, enjoys spending time with family, friends, and pets, and contributes to a balanced work-life dynamic in the Kang Lab.

Karishma is a valuable member of the Kang lab, possessing a strong academic background and extensive research experience. Her expertise in molecular biology and her role in mouse colony management are integral to the lab's research on epilepsy syndromes. Karishma manages a significant research program, focusing on understanding epilepsy's pathophysiology and developing treatment options. Her work has the potential to enhance our knowledge of epilepsy and improve treatment options, making her a key contributor to the lab's research efforts.