NeuroTechnology Studio Staff

The NeuroTechnology Studio’s dedicated staff work with investigators to optimize the imaging technologies being used in their experiments, ensure the quality of emerging data, and help with data interpretation. They also will maintain the equipment, handle upgrades, contribute to or lead equipment-based grant applications and develop new techniques.

Lai Ding, Ph.D.

Senior Imaging Scientist

lding@bwh.harvard.edu

Office: 617-264-5946

Cell: 781-901-6116

Lai Ding is the Senior Imaging Scientist at the NeuroTechnology Studio and the first member of its team of scientists.

Previously, Dr. Ding served for ten years as manager of the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center’s Enhanced Neuroimaging Core, providing comprehensive optical imaging service and technical expertise to research groups across the Harvard Longwood community with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Ding received his BS in Physics and Mathematics from University of Science and Technology of China in 1998 and his PhD in Biophysics from Rice University in 2004. Ding’s doctoral research investigated bacterial membrane structure and its interaction with peptides using various indirect imaging methodologies, including X-ray diffraction and neutron scattering. After receiving his PhD, Dr. Ding managed the Tufts Center for Neuroscience imaging facility for two years before joining the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center. Dr. Ding also has served as instructor for two imaging courses at the Harvard Extension School and Harvard Summer School between 2010 – 2017.

Aaron Brown

Administrative Assistant

Office: 617-525-5330

abrown101@bwh.harvard.edu

Aaron Brown is the Administrative Assistant for the Brigham and Women’s (BWH) Program for Interdisciplinary Neuroscience (PIN). Aaron Provides support for all aspects of the PIN mission.

Prior to joining BWH, Aaron spent five years providing technical assistance as an ABO certified Optician Apprentice. During this time, he developed a passion for community outreach, serving as the Social Engagement Lead in his store.

Aaron Graduated from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, via TUFTS University, with a BFA in 2014. As a multidisciplinary artist, he is not bound to any specific medium, but enjoys printmaking and sound design. Outside of BWH, Aaron is currently composing music for DUKE University’s MFA Dance program.

Charles Jennings, Ph.D

Executive Director

cgjennings@bwh.harvard.edu

Charles Jennings is the Executive Director of the Program for Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, which oversees the NeuroTechnology Studio. He joined BWH in 2017. Biography

Matthew Varley, CRA

Research Operations and Grants Manager

Matt holds a BA from the University of Connecticut and a MS from Northeastern University and has worked in research administration for over to 10 years. After working for the Boston VA Research Institute, where he oversaw operating accounts, subject fee accounts, and process improvement strategies, he joined BWH Neurology in 2012 as Operations and post-award finance manager. In 2013, Matt became a Certified Research Administrator by the Research Administrators Certification Council. In his current role, Matt provides departmental support in the areas of reporting and compliance monitoring, as well as contributes as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders. Matt serves as finance manager to various research labs as well as Business manager for the Neuro Technology Studio, CND Flow Cytometry Core Facilty. and NeuroHub. His role in research operations includes working with BWH to ensure safety, research compliance, and capital equipment and space inventories, orders, and tracking.