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 member of the American Epilepsy Society (AES) DEI committee, an AES Epilepsy Currents Contributing Editor, 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
Eesha Faiz
Undergraduate research student
Hi, I am Eesha Faiz, a senior at Emory University! Some random facts about me are that I am a Pakistani-American, a big foodie, and I love spending time with my younger brothers! I have been with the Escayg lab since the summer of 2022. Currently, I am majoring in Chemistry and minoring in MESAS (Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies), and because of my passion for chemistry, I am excited to work on a chemistry focused research project in this lab!