


Neuroimmunology of
Host-Microbe Interaction
People

Assistant Professor
Wangchao Xu PhD
Wangchao obtained his PhD from the Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai, China, followed by postdoctoral training at UVA and Washington University in St. Louis. He launched his lab in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at UH on 09/01/2024.
Hobbies: NBA, detective fiction.
Email: wxu21@central.uh.edu

Postdoc
Matthew Lopez PhD
Matthew grew up in Houston, Texas, and earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston. He went on to complete a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he focused on neural representations involved in long-term memory and fear generalization. He joined the lab on 11/01/2024. In his free time, he enjoys being with family, friends, and his dog, Jasper.
Email: mrlopez5@central.uh.edu

Graduate student
Chien Do
I got my bachelor's degree at UHD in 2023 and started my graduate program at UH in 2024. Because of my passion for neuroscience, I chose to enroll in Cell and Molecular Biology program. Understanding neuronal molecular mechanisms and their functions has always been my attention. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors and crafting.
Email: cqdo@cougarnet.uh.edu

Graduate student
Nathan Box
Nathan received his B.S. in Biology from the University of North Texas in 2023. He joined the University of Houston's Ph.D. CMB graduate program in the spring of 2024 with a focus on neuroscience. In his free time, he enjoys gaming, traveling with his partner, and watching sports.
Email: nlbox@cougarnet.uh.edu

Graduate student
Afiyfah Waafi
Afiyfah joined the CMB program at UH in Spring 2025. She earned her MD and Master’s in Biomedical Science from the University of Brawijaya in Indonesia, where she focused on neuroscience. Afiyfah is passionate about exploring the mysteries of the nervous system and is excited to continue learning and discovering in the field of neuroscience. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time with her husband and exploring Houston’s many boba tea spots and coffee shops.
Email: akwaafi@cougarnet.uh.edu

Undergraduate student
Katelinn Barnes
I am Katelinn Barnes. I currently a freshman at the University of Houston. I am doing my bachelors in Honors Biology and I completed my associates of Science at Lone Star College. I want to pursue a career in medicine in order to better take care of my parents and understand their health. In my free time, I love drawing and taking pictures of my friends!
Email: kybarnes@CougarNet.UH.EDU

Undergraduate student
Nicole Mtetwa
Nicole is an undergraduate Biochemical/Biophysical Sciences major at UH. She earned an Associate of Science at Houston Community College in 2025. She is interested in research and neuroscience and has a long-term goal to pursue a Ph.D. in this field. She enjoys historical fiction and fantasy books or shows, dancing, and playing with her dog, Max.
Email: ngmtetwa@CougarNet.UH.EDU

Undergraduate student
Amaobi Oji
Amaobi is an undergraduate student pursuing a career in medicine with a strong interest in neuroscience andimmunology. He earned an Associate of Science degree at Houston City College in 2025 and currently majors in biology at the University of Houston. He hopes to contribute to research that advances the understanding andtreatment of neurological disorders. In his free time, he enjoys learning new things, playing games, and playing instruments.
Email: adoji@CougarNet.UH.EDU

Undergraduate student
Ariadna Hernandez Armenta
I'm a biochemistry major, and I want to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience, hoping to help develop and advance neurodegenerative research. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, trying new matcha spots, and watching dramas.
Email: ahern295@CougarNet.UH.EDU
Lab News
08/14/2026: Two senior students, Amaobi and Ariadna, will conduct their capstone research in our lab. Welcome!
07/29/2026: Two AMAZING high school students, Isabella and Daniel, delivered an AMAZING presentation on their summer research internship, with the help of two AMAZING mentors, Afiyfah and Nathan. This was followed by a fun bowling party. Best of luck with your college applications!


05/14/2026: Chien is now officially a PhD candidate. Congratulations, Chien!!!
03/14/2026: Afiyfah presented her work at the 17th BSGS research symposium.

01/29/2026: Lab presentation at UH MIND "Dementia Unlocked Symposium". Good job, Matt!


12/17/2025: Last lab meeting of 2025, followed by lunch @ Istanbul. Happy holidays, everyone!


11/05/2025: Nathan passed his qualifying exam! Good job and congratulations!!!
10/29/2025: Thank you all for the birthday surprise ❤️

Selected Publications
-
Xu, W., Rustenhoven, J., Nelson, C. A., Dykstra, T., Ferreiro, A., Papadopoulos, Z., Burnham, C.D., Dantas, G., Fremont, D. H., Kipnis, J. (2023). A novel immune modulator IM33 mediates a glia-gut-neuronal axis that controls lifespan. Neuron 111(20): 3244-3254.e3248. Featured by Science Signaling, 16(809): eadl5530.
-
Xu, W., Bao, P., Jiang, X., Wang, H., Qin, M., Wang, R., Wang, T., Yang, Y., Lorenzini, I., Liao, L., Sattler, R., Xu, J. (2019). Reactivation of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay protects against C9orf72 dipeptide-repeat neurotoxicity. Brain 142, 1349-1364.
-
Xu, W., and Xu, J. (2018). C9orf72 Dipeptide Repeats Cause Selective Neurodegeneration and Cell-Autonomous Excitotoxicity in Drosophila Glutamatergic Neurons. J Neurosci 38, 7741-7752.
