Dr. Xiaotang Lu

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Professor Lu received his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and moved to Boston to conduct postdoctoral research in neuroscience with Jeff Lichtman at Harvard University. He was a key contributor to multi-institutional brain research projects under the NIH BRAIN Initiative, receiving the K99 Award. He joins the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a faculty member in Chemical Biology. His research focuses on the interface of chemistry and neuroscience, developing essential biochemical tools and advanced microscopy techniques to understand brain connectivity. The Lu Lab works on capturing the complex structures of brain circuits and addressing challenges in visualizing neuronal connectivity at multiple scales. Additionally, they aim to develop multiplexed molecular imaging platforms to understand the molecular diversity of neurons, which is critical for interpreting brain function and identifying abnormalities in neuropsychiatric diseases.

Research Interests

Awards

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NIH BRAIN Initiative K99 Pathway Independence Award

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Cornell Scholar

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Leading Edge Fellow

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UT Professional Development Award

Courses

Chem 588 (Spring 2025): Physical Methods Materials Chemistry

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.