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
Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) layer V projection neurons to the lateral periaqueductal grey (PAG) have been shown to play a role in nocebo hyperalgesia. The PAG is well-known for its role in placebo hyperalgesia and descending pain inhibition, but less is known about pain facilitation. Furthermore, while the large projecting neurons of ACC layer V have been shown to be active after chronic nerve injury, less is known about the ensemble activity of these neurons in acute pain and nocebo responding and how these ensembles change after nerve injury. My current goal is to uncover more about the how the ACC to PAG neurons compute, regulate, and potentially enhance nociceptive experiences. The ultimate goal of my work is to give a better understanding of what drives chronic pain to broaden therapeutic options and mitigate suffering.
LINDSAY EJOH
GRADUATE STUDENT // Neuroscience Graduate Group
Email // lejoh@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
CORINNA OSWELL
GRADUATE STUDENT // Neuroscience Graduate Group
Sophia Castellani
GRADUATE STUDENT // NGG
Email // Sophia.Castellani@PennMedicine.upenn.edu
I began my academic career at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, earning a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral Neuroscience. As an undergrad researcher across Northeastern, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, I explored topics such as social psychology, behavioral pharmacology, and molecular biology to help develop novel genetic therapies for neurological disorders.
After graduating in 2023, I joined Dr. Mariella Filbin’s lab at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a Senior Research Technician. There, I utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics to profile pediatric brain tumors, as well as collaborate with a team of oncologists, neurosurgeons, and pathologists to design a precision medicine rapid diagnostic and drug-screening pipeline on patient biopsies.
In Fall 2025, I joined the Neuroscience Graduate Group at the University of Pennsylvania. For my thesis work in the Corder Lab, I aim to merge my background in molecular genomics with systems neuroscience to investigate the biological and neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and psychedelic states.
Outside of the lab you can find me hanging out with my friends, taking yoga classes and exploring Philly!
Raheem Sheikh
GRADUATE STUDENT // PGG
Email // Raheem.Sheikh@PennMedicine.upenn.edu
Originally from New York City, I graduated from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College in Spring 2025, where I studied Behavioral Neurobiology.
Before joining Penn, I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Nancy Du's laboratory at Weill Cornell Medical College, where I investigated the role of RHAMM (Receptor for Hyaluronan-Mediated Motility) in metastatic cancer and infertility. I also served as a research intern in Dr. Joae Wu's laboratory at UMass Chan Medical School, where I studied Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
In Fall 2025, I joined the Pharmacology Graduate Group at the Perelman School of Medicine. My research interests focus on understanding how metabolic dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration. I am particularly interested in uncovering the cellular and molecular pathways that link systemic disease to neuronal vulnerability and translating these insights into novel therapeutic strategies.
Outside of the lab, you can find me at a live concert, exploring a local farmers' market, or binge-watching a new show.
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.
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!
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.
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
Leomara Swanson - 2025-2026, Penn PREP Postbac — Current: Grad Student at UMN
Bryan Portillo - 2025, Penn Neuroscience Rotation
Emily Linz - 2025, Penn Pharmacology Rotation
Jackson Friedman - 2025, Penn Neuroscience Rotation
Oliver Joseph - 2024-2025, Undergraduate Researcher
Dr. Sophie Rogers - 2021-2025, Graduate Student, Neuroscience Graduate Group — Current: Postdoc at Penn with Maria Geffen Lab
Dr. Lisa Wooldridge - 2020-2025, Graduate Student, Neuroscience Graduate Group — Current: Postdoc at Temple University with Jackie Giovaniello Lab
Dr. Adrienne Jo - 2019-2024, Graduate Student, Pharmacology Graduate Group — Current: Senior Associate at Palo Santo VC
Dr. Jessica Wojick - 2019-2024, Graduate Student, Biology Graduate Group — Current: Postdoc at University of North Carolina with Tom Kash Lab
Alaa Elhiraika - 2025, Undergraduate Researcher
Savanna Cohen - 2024-2025, Undergraduate Researcher and Penn Senior Independent Researcher
Maxx Yung - 2023-2025, Undergraduate Researcher
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
Dr. Gregory Salimando - 2020-2023, Postdoc — Current: FDA
Dr. Angela Lee - 2023, Penn Psychiatry Rotation
Sofia Farinas - 2023, Undergraduate Researcher
Leann Goldberg - 2022, Undergraduate Researcher
Dr. Nora McCall - 2019 - 2022, Postdoc, F32 & T32 — Current: NIH
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