Dr. EunJung Hwang: A Pioneering Force in Neuroscience
The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) has recently recognized Dr. EunJung Hwang, a prominent neuroscientist at Rosalind Franklin University (RFU), as one of the "Illinois Researchers to Know" for 2025. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores her commitment to innovative research in the field of neuroscience and her significant contributions to understanding age-related neurological disorders.
Dr. Hwang serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at Chicago Medical School, which is part of RFU. Her work at the Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair emphasizes the importance of deciphering complex neural mechanisms behind decision-making and behavior.
By employing cutting-edge neurophysiological experiments and large-scale brain imaging, Dr. Hwang investigates how neural circuits function and how they can be rehabilitated when impacted by diseases or aging.
"The brain's essential function is to discern and execute appropriate actions to navigate our environments successfully," states Dr. Hwang. Unfortunately, the capacity for effective decision-making often diminishes due to neurological ailments and the aging process. Her research seeks to unveil the neural foundations essential for action selection, ultimately striving to restore these abilities in individuals.
In recent years, Dr. Hwang has drawn inspiration from breakthroughs in targeted brain stimulation, which have demonstrated potential in enhancing learning outcomes in aging models. This direction aims to yield translational approaches to mitigate age-related neurological issues.
Joining RFU in 2020, Dr. Hwang brought with her an impressive academic background. She earned her PhD in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and pursued postdoctoral training in systems neuroscience at renowned institutions, California Institute of Technology and University of California, San Diego.
Her contributions to the field have been richly rewarded, receiving honors such as the 2022 Sloan Research Fellowship in Neuroscience and the NIH Pathway to Independence Award. Furthermore, her research is backed by significant grants, including an NIH R56 and a Biomedical Innovation Pilot Grant through a collaborative initiative between RFU and DePaul University.
Dr. Hwang's research features prominently in leading scientific journals, including
Neuron,
Nature Communications, and the
Journal of Neuroscience. In her latest work, she delves into the transcriptional dynamics of cortical glutamatergic neurons that are involved in long-term learning, highlighting her interdisciplinary focus bridging neuroscience and neural engineering.
Dr. Joseph DiMario, the executive vice president for research at RFU, remarked, "Dr. Hwang's groundbreaking research significantly enriches our understanding of brain functions and the possibilities for restoring impaired functions. Being honored by the ISTC is a testament to her leadership in one of the critical frontiers of science."
The recognition of the 2025 honorees by the ISTC reinforces the role of academic research as a vital public good, expanding our knowledge and addressing pressing global challenges. Rosalind Franklin University, named after the groundbreaking scientist whose work was pivotal in unveiling the structure of DNA, continues to strive for excellence in education and research spanning various fields, including neuroscience, diabetes, and inherited disorders.
For more details about RFU's initiatives and Dr. Hwang’s remarkable contributions, visit
rosalindfranklin.edu.