Dr. Dong Yan

Associate Professor

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Biography

Dong Yan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neural circuit formation, development, degeneration, and aging. Utilizing the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, his lab has defined cell lineage and completely mapped the organism's connectome, which significantly facilitates the investigation of the nervous system at subcellular resolution. By combining classic genetic analysis with in vivo live imaging techniques and molecular cellular manipulations, Dr. Yan aims to discover conserved mechanisms that play crucial roles in neural circuit formation and gap junction dynamics as a means to understand neurodegeneration. His extensive academic background includes a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, completed in 2006. Dr. Yan has been awarded several grants including the Neurobiology Training Program from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and multiple NIH grants supporting his studies on aging-associated neurodegeneration and genetics of gap junction formation regulation in C. elegans.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Positions in Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology.

Assistant Professor

— Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Positions in Neurobiology and Molecular Genetics.

Instructor, Temporary

— Present

Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology • Durham, NC

Courses

MGM 593: Research Independent Study CMB 710F: Cell & Molecular Biology Module VI CMB 710E: Cell & Molecular Biology Module V

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)