Meet The Team
Jennifer Wong, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
I am an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics (Children's Center for Neurosciences Research, CCNR) at Emory University. I received my Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Georgia where I studied the role of dietary carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, on visual and auditory function. For my postdoctoral training, I joined the laboratory of Dr. Andrew Escayg at Emory University where I studied the impact of sodium channel epilepsy genes and other epilepsy genes on seizure susceptibility and behavior. This work led to my continued research interests in studying the development and progression of pediatric epilepsy genes over the lifespan with the long-term goal of developing better treatments.
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​In addition to research, I enjoy training and mentoring students both within the laboratory and in the classroom. I am very active in serving the epilepsy and broader communities. I am a Contributing Editor for the American Epilepsy Society Epilepsy Currents and a scientific advisor for Combined Brain- representing families with SCN8A epilepsy mutations.
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Outside of the lab, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, trying new restaurants, a good afternoon nap, yoga, and running! One of my life goals is to maintain my current pace until I’m 90 in the hopes of qualifying for the Boston marathon!
I received my B.S. Biology and B.S Psychology from the University of New Mexico (go ‘bos!) where I used fMRI to understand memory circuit dysfunction after traumatic brain injury. I started my time in the Emory Neuroscience Graduate Program in 2023 and joined the lab this summer! My project focuses on the intersection of Alzheimer’s Disease and epileptiform activity, utilizing mouse models, behavioral, and molecular neuroscience approaches. Outside of the lab, I enjoy participating in my book club, time with my fish, Captain, and practicing American Sign Language with friends and family. I am hard-of-hearing and passionate about making the scientific community a safe and inclusive space for anyone and everyone!
Katie James, B.S.
Neuroscience graduate student
Grace Sohn
Undergraduate student
Hi! I am a sophomore undergraduate from Portland, Oregon. I will join the Wong Lab in Fall 2025! Currently, I am pursuing a major in Biology and Psychology with a growing interest in neuroscience research and epilepsy genetics. Outside of the lab, I like to experiment with audio production, read, and make balloon animals for volunteering events. I am looking forward to contributing and growing as a scientist during my time here, exploring a biology-focused research project!
Hi! I'm Aarushi, an undergraduate student at Georgia Tech. I am currently pursuing a major in Neuroscience with a Physiology minor on the pre-med track, and I am super excited to have joined the Wong Lab this summer! My academic interests include pediatrics, neurology, and immunology, so I am very eager to contribute to this research and learn more about the progression of pediatric epilepsy. Outside of the lab, I hold a diploma certification in the Indian Classical dance form Kathak and have also served as the captain and now advisor of an all-girls nationally competitive dance team on campus. I also love to try new food places and recipes and have lately been getting back into hiking and traveling. I look forward to being part of this lab and can't wait to grow my skills as a researcher!
Aarushi Khanna
Undergraduate student
Lab Alumni
June 2022 - May 2025
Eesha Faiz
Undergraduate research student
Summer 2025
Rebecca Littlehale
Visiting undergraduate research student from Agnes Scott
June 2025 - May 2026
Sarah Gruschow
Research specialist