2025- Present Assistant Professor
-UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology (Primary)
-UAB Department of Biomedical Engineering (Secondary)
2022-2024 Research Fellow -National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
2018-2022 Post-doctoral Fellow -National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
2015-2018 Dr. rer. nat. in Psychology -TU Dresden, Germany
2009-2014 Diplom in Psychology -Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
Hometown: Changzhou, China
Email: ruizhang@uabmc.edu
BA in Psychology -University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa
MA in Psychology -University of Kansas
Email: kegoubet@uabmc.edu
Elise Goubet earned her M.A. in Psychology from the University of Kansas, where she was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. Her graduate research in cognitive neuroscience examined individual differences in emotion regulation, including the flexible use of emotion regulation strategies and the effects of neuromodulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on regulatory processes. Outside of her academic work, Elise has several years of experience working in community health initiatives related to suicide prevention and sexual and domestic violence prevention.
In the SCN Lab, she contributes to research examining sleep and circadian disruption as mechanisms and treatment targets in psychiatric and substance use disorders, supporting study coordination, participant visits, and research operations. One of the most meaningful parts of her work is connecting with participants and witnessing the strength and resilience it takes to choose recovery each day.
Outside of the lab, Elise enjoys getting lost in a good book, creating origami art, snuggling with her two cats, taking long walks with her dog, and spending time with family and friends. She is happy to be back in her home state of Alabama.
BA in Neuroscience -Saint Louis University
Email: uiuzoojinnaka@uabmc.edu
Ugo recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Saint Louis University. Here, she studied neurodevelopment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents using EEG and MRI. She plans to apply to physician scientist programs in the 2027 application cycle with the overarching goal of having a career in basic and translational psychiatric research. She is very excited to transition to full time research and contribute to ongoing studies in the lab. Outside of the lab, Ugo loves to thrift, read books, shop and watch reality television.
BA in Genetics and Genomic Sciences -University of Alabama at Birmingham
Email: mdroden@uab.edu
My name is David Roden, and I graduated from UAB with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomic Sciences. I am currently applying to medical school for the 2027 application cycle and have spent the past year working in the lab as a undergraduate research assistant. I am excited to be transitioning into a technician role, where I can continue building my research skills. Outside of the lab, I enjoy long runs through the woods and spending time with my cat, Stewie.
Email: anmwakab@uab.edu
Christopher Turner
Catherine Elise Rhodes