Professor Dr. Dan Wang

Professor

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Biography

Dan Ohtan Wang is a molecular cellular neuroscientist whose research focuses on gene expression and the connections between neurons and their environments. He leads the NeuroDegeneration Lab (RNA-MIND), where he delves into post-transcriptional regulation and RNA trafficking. Wang completed his Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and earned his PhD in Neurosciences from the University of Southern California in 2004. He underwent postdoctoral training at UCLA's Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. In 2012, he began his lab at Kyoto University, innovating RNA live-imaging techniques to visualize RNA dynamics in living brain tissues. His lab has made significant contributions, including the identification of messenger RNAs with N6-methyl-adenosine modifications, which have implications for neuropsychiatric diseases. Currently, at NYU Abu Dhabi, Wang continues to investigate how RNA modifications influence gene expression in a spatial and temporal context, contributing to behavioral adaptations. Wang teaches various biology courses, emphasizing the integration of theoretical and practical research experiences for undergraduates.

Research Interests

RNA Biology Neurodegeneration Post-Transcriptional Regulation Synaptic Organization

Experience

Professor

2012-01-01 — Present

New York University Abu Dhabi • Abu Dhabi

Leads research in molecular cellular neuroscience, focusing on RNA modifications and their effects on neural functions.

Courses

Foundations of Science Biology Capstone Project

Requirements for New York University Abu Dhabi

Bachelor Program

Requirements

GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125

Prerequisites

High School Diploma or equivalent

Application Checklist

  • Common Application
  • NYU Supplement
  • Official Transcripts
  • Common Application School Report
  • Counselor Recommendation
  • Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)
  • Standardized Testing (Optional for 2025-2026)
  • Teacher Recommendation

Specialization Notes

Undergraduate programs at NYU Abu Dhabi are cross-disciplinary. Departments such as Computer Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Philosophy, and Psychology fall under the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts/Science tracks.