2025

AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty


Zhang M Headshot

Meng Zhang, PhD

Assistant Professor, Scripps Research

Exploring neuro-immune crosstalk with spatial multi-omics

Dr. Zhang’s research aims to chart the aging brain at single-cell resolution using cutting-edge spatial multi-omics approaches. She will focus on the cells and immune responses that shape brain health over time. Her lab combines advanced imaging and genomic technologies to create detailed maps of the aging brain—showing where specific changes occur and how different cell types interact. Building on previous work developing the first high-resolution atlas of the entire adult mouse brain, Dr. Zhang’s team will develop new tools to track immune cells, uncover hidden genetic mutations, and spatially map them to specific cell types and microenvironments. This work will provide foundational tools and insights to understand how the brain’s environment contributes to age-related decline.

More 2025 Recipients of this Grant

Jacob Brown, PhD

Are oxylipins a therapeutic target to improve recovery from disuse-atrophy during aging?

Jacob Brown
Madison Doolittle, PhD

Premature aging and residual senescence after injury resolution

Madison Doolittle
Sija He, PhD

Investigating the Role of Brain Innate Immunity in Regulating Peripheral Aging

Sijia He