Member Spotlight: Hongyan Wang, PhD

Hongyan Wang, PhD
Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore

Hometown
China

Current Residence
Singapore

Graduate Degree
PhD

Postdoc Work
Asymmetric cell division of neural stem cells

Current Position
Professor and Acting Director of the Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore

ISSCR Participation
ISSCR 2025 Plenary Speaker, Adult Homeostasis: Stem Cells in Physiology and Disease

• What is the current focus of your research?

  We investigate the mechanisms underlying brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders using Drosophila, mouse models, and human brain organoids. Our primary research focus is understanding how quiescent neural stem cells are reactivated in the brain—a process with great potential for brain rejuvenation and repair.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and ADHD, affect approximately 5% of pediatric population globally, contributing significantly to intellectual disability, epilepsy and developmental delays. We model these disorders using Drosophila, mouse models, and human brain organoids. Our research will advance understanding of brain development and underlying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  What I find most rewarding about my work are the many aspects that keep me motivated. First, there's the excitement of embarking on new projects and exploring new research directions. Second, the thrill of discovering unexpected findings in the lab is always fulfilling. Lastly, seeing junior faculty and lab members grow and succeed in their careers is incredibly rewarding.

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  I decided to become a scientist during my final year of undergraduate study when I joined a research project and became completely captivated by molecular biology. My research focus shifted to stem cells during my postdoctoral training in William Chia’s lab in Singapore, where we studied the asymmetric division of neural stem cells in Drosophila.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  My advice for trainees interested in pursuing my area of research, or any research field, is to first and foremost find a great mentor. A supportive mentor will help you grow, acquire essential skills, and develop a vision that will impact your career in long-term. Also, be prepared for setbacks and challenges—research is inherently unpredictable, and resilience in the face of failure is key to success. Lastly, don't forget to celebrate your small successes along the way!

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  I have been inspired by many individuals throughout my career. My PhD mentor, Mohan Balasubramanian, has had a great impact on me, even though he is not a stem cell biologist. My postdoctoral mentor, William Chia, has also been a key influence. I am also inspired by pioneers in the neural stem cell field, such as Rusty Gage, Hongjun Song, and Arnold Kriegstein.

• How do you spend your free time?

  In my free time, I enjoy great food, especially with family, in Singapore - a true food paradise. I like cooking and occasionally cook meals myself. I also love swimming and listening to music.

• What excites you most about ISSCR 2025 in Hong Kong?

  Hong Kong is a city that bridges Eastern and Western scientific communities. I look forward to meeting some of the most brilliant stem cell researchers at the ISSCR conference in Hong Kong.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  What I value most about my membership with the ISSCR is being part of the largest stem cell community and having the opportunity to connect with other stem cell researchers.