GREGORY CORDER, PH.D.
LAB DIRECTOR
Email // gcorder@upenn.edu
Throughout the last decade, my research has aimed to uncover how brain and spinal circuits transform emotionally inert nociceptive information into an affective painful experience. Working previously with Dr. Gregory Scherrer and Dr. Mark Schnitzer at the Stanford Wu-Tsai Neurosciences Institute, and with Dr. Bradley Taylor (University of Pittsburgh, Dept. of Anesthesiology) I have grounded my scientific interests in studying the fundamental properties of neural circuits, and how to best further translational efforts to develop new strategies for clinical pain relief.
My group within the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania employs an expansive multidisciplinary approach to further our understanding of how brain processes give rise to perceptions and motivations. Utilizing in vivo calcium imaging, neuroanatomical tracing, mouse genetics, optical neuromanipulation, and behavioral pharmacology, my lab continues to deconstruct these dynamic neural mechanisms of pain and pleasure experiences, and the molecular remodeling effects caused by endogenous and exogenous opioids within limbic and cortical brain circuits.
In addition to advancing our basic understanding of the brain and mind, the driving goal of our projects is to to improve the mental, physical, and social health of chronic pain patients. Ultimately I hope that our lab's work will facilitate advancements in therapeutic interventions to reduce the suffering and depression symptoms of pain patients, thereby lessening the necessity of prescription opioids and curtailing the ongoing Opioid Epidemic.
BLAKE KIMMEY, Ph.D.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Email // bkimmey@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
RAQUEL ADAIA SANDOVAL ORTEGA, PH.D.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Email // raqueladaia.sandovalortega@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
SANDRA POULSON
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Email // sandra.poulson@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Cholesytokinin (CCK) in the brain is known as one of the anti-opioid peptides, but we're just starting to uncover the role of CCK in pain. To date the focus on CCK in pain has been in the periphery, but I’m obsessed with investigating a potential role in chronic pain for long-range CCK+ neurons of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and their many downstream targets. My previous work under Loren Martin at the University of Toronto demonstrated a role for ACC CCK+ neurons that send projections to the intermediate lateral periaqueductal gray in two different mouse models of nocebo (social and contextual). My current goal is to uncover more about the CCK system in terms of the central perception of pain and how the ACC computes, regulates, and enhances incoming nociceptive signals. The ultimate goal of this project is to give a better understanding of what drives chronic pain to broaden therapeutic options and mitigate suffering.
LISA WOOLDRIDGE
GRADUATE STUDENT // Neuroscience Graduate Group
I am a graduate student in the Neuroscience Graduate Group, interested in how persistent events such as chronic pain and opioid dependence shape our brains to drive adaptive or maladaptive behaviors.
I earned my BA in neuroscience from Middlebury College in 2016. I then joined the Preclinical Pharmacology research program at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School as a technician, where I helped develop behavioral models to evaluate novel pharmacological treatments for affective disorders.
My work in the Corder lab investigates how opioid dependence interacts with the neural systems for pain. I am particularly interested in the ascending spinoparabrachial pathway, the so-called “affective pain” pathway.
When I’m not at lab, I’m probably at rehearsal singing with Penn’s early music ensemble Collegium Musicum; the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia; and the choir of St. Mary’s at Hamilton Village. In my copious free time, I also love trying new recipes, hunting for new books, and spending time with my cat Rosie.
LINDSAY EJOH
GRADUATE STUDENT // Neuroscience Graduate Group
SOPHIE ROGERS
GRADUATE STUDENT // Neuroscience Graduate Group
Email // sophie.rogers@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
CORINNA OSWELL
GRADUATE STUDENT // Neuroscience Graduate Group
JUSTIN JAMES
RESEARCHER
I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (CAS ’22, Neuroscience) and currently a second-year medical student at Penn State College of Medicine. In 2020, I joined the Corder Lab as an undergraduate researcher, working closely with then-graduate student Dr. Jessica Wojick. My early research efforts, initiated during the pandemic, focused on integrating deep learning technology to advance the detection and classification of pain and analgesic behaviors. These computational advancements complemented our lab’s use of neural ensemble imaging, optogenetics, and targeted therapies for chronic pain.As I progress in my medical training, I aim to specialize in anesthesiology with a concentration in pain medicine. My ultimate goal is to become a clinician-scientist, contributing to the evolving understanding of consciousness in relation to pain and innovating drug and genetic therapies for chronic pain and substance use disorders.Outside of school and research, I am picking up learning to play golf, I enjoy playing the drums, and spending time with family and friends!
JACQUELINE WU
LAB MANAGER // Research Specialist
Email // jacqueline.wu@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
I graduated from Penn in May 2024 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Anthropology. I started working in the Corder Lab in January 2023 as an undergrad and am continuing to do research here as the lab manager. Currently, my interests include drug addiction, chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases, and I hope to pursue a graduate degree in the future to explore these topics. Outside of lab, I can be found going on coffee runs or watching dogs at the dog park. I also enjoy listening to music and singing.
SAVANNA COHEN
PENN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER // Neuroscience
I’m a member of Penn’s Class of 2025 majoring in Neuroscience with a double minor in Psychology and Science, Technology, and Society. I joined the Corder Laboratory in the Spring of 2024 and I intend to obtain my PhD in addiction neuroscience once I graduate. I am particularly interested in studying the neural circuitry and neurobiology behind addiction and researching innovative treatments for this disease. Outside of the lab, I am on the executive boards for the Dean’s Advisory Board and Penn Neuroscience Society. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, baking, and volunteering for animal shelters.
MAXX YUNG
PENN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER // Materials Engineering
Email // myung11@seas.upenn.edu
I'm an undergraduate in Penn's class of 2027, majoring in Materials Engineering. I joined the Corder Lab in 2023, where I began working with cellular assays and mice, and am now transitioning into programming and hardware development. Prior to Penn, I spent five years in neuroscience research at SUNY Old Westbury and Stanford Medicine, presenting my work at Stanford and MIT and winning the Regeneron STS Award and the American Academy of Neurology Neuroscience Research Award. I also have previous experience in quantitative trading, ML engineering, and hardware design. Beyond the lab, I conduct research at the Singh Nanotech Center, write memos (and a book!) with Contrary Research, and invest in startups through Contrary.
LILY SHANGLOO
PENN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER // Neuroscience
I am a sophomore at Penn intending to major in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. I joined the Corder lab in January 2024, and work as an undergraduate research assistant. In my free time, I love to read and spend time with friends and family.
OLIVER JOSEPH
PENN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER // Neuroscience
Email // oljoseph@sas.upenn.edu
My name is Oliver Joseph and I am a part of the 2027 class at Penn. I am majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Healthcare Management, I plan to attend medical school after graduation. Through my time at Corder Lab as an undergraduate, I have developed a deep passion on coming up with unique and empowering ways to help people, especially those afflicted by chronic pain. I hope to continue to expand my knowledge on the field and continuing to have real impact!
EMMY LI
PENN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER // Neuroscience
I’m a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2027, majoring in Neuroscience. I joined the Corder Lab back in January 2024. I'm particularly interested in chronic pain and its correlation to drug abuse. Beyond the lab, I’m actively involved in Penn Neuroscience Society and Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club. In my free time, I enjoy creating art through drawing and watercolor.
LAB ALUMNI
Adrienne Jo - 2019-2024, Graduate Student, Pharmacology Graduate Group — Current: Senior Associate at Palo Santo VC
Jessica Wojick - 2019-2024, Graduate Student, Biology Graduate Group — Current: Postdoc at University of North Carolina
Malaika Mahmood - 2022-2024, Lab Manager — Current: Graduate Student at University of Pittsburgh
Lyndsay Hastings - 2024, Penn Neuroscience Rotation
Kyungdong (Cassius) Kim - 2024, Penn PURM Scholar
Juliann Chiu - 2022-2024, Undergraduate Researcher and Penn Senior Independent Researcher
Morgan Zinn - 2023, Undergraduate Researcher
Alan Han - 2023, Undergraduate Researcher
Gregory Salimando - 2020-2023, Postdoc — Current: Research Associate Scientist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Angela Lee - 2023, Penn Psychiatry Rotation
Sofia Farinas - 2023, Undergraduate Researcher
Leann Goldberg - 2022, Undergraduate Researcher
Nora McCall - 2019 - 2022, Postdoc, F32 & T32 — Current: Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Emily Lo - 2019 - 2022, Penn Senior Independent Researcher + PURM Scholar
Meghan Wachira - 2021 - 2022, Penn Genomics Postbac
Morgan Kindel - 2021, Penn Neuroscience Rotation
Joe Stucynski - 2021, Penn Neuroscience Rotation
Simay Ipek - 2020, Undergraduate Researcher
Angelina Heyler - 2019, Penn PURM Scholar
Shivanki Juneja - 2019 - 2020, Penn Senior Independent Researcher