The Contractor Lab

About Us

Principal Investigator

Anis Contractor, PhD

E-mail   |   PubMed 

Anis Contractor received his Ph.D. in neuropharmacology from University College London in the laboratory of Professor Alasdair Gibb, where he studied the functional properties of NMDA receptors. He performed postdoctoral studies at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies with Professor Stephen Heinemann, where he studied the role of glutamate receptors in synaptic plasticity and development. He joined the faculty at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 2004, where his laboratory focuses on studies of synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in mouse models. Contractor is currently the Wendell Krieg Professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Neuroscience with a secondary appointment in the Department of Neurobiology.

Lab Members

Jian Xu

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

My research focuses on using mouse genetic models to study functions of glutamate receptors in brain.  In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and watching TV!

jian-xu@northwestern.edu
Ph.D. – University at Buffalo, SUNY
John Armstrong

John Armstrong

RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR / LAB MANAGER

My research interests are presynaptic mechanisms of neurotransmitter release.

john.armstrong@northwestern.edu
BA (Hons) – Psychology – Laurentian University
MSc/PhD – Psychology/Neuroscience – Carleton University
Post-Doctoral Fellowships – Dalhousie University, University of Calgary, The Salk Institute
 

John Marshall

RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

I am interested in the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that occur in basal ganglia circuits during procedural learning. I primarily use in vivo imaging, brain slice electrophysiology and analysis of mouse behavior in my projects.  I also enjoy reading, outdoor activities and exploring various ways of preparing food.
 
johnjmarshall@u.northwestern.edu
PhD – Neuroscience – Northwestern University
BA – Biochemistry & Philosophy – Columbia University

Toshihiro Nomura

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW

I am interested in understanding the synapse pathophysiology of neuronal and neuropsychiatric disorders.  I also enjoy looking for delicious foods and drinks!

toshihiro.nomura@northwestern.edu
MD – Keio University School of Medicine
PhD – Keio University School of Medicine 

Charlotte Castillon

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW

I am currently working on adult hippocampal neurogenesis.  I also enjoy dancing and baking!
 
charlotte.castillon@northwestern.edu
PhD – Neurosciences – Paris-Saclay University
MD – Signalisation & Neurosciences – Paris-Saclay University
BS – Biology & Health – Paris-Saclay University

Shintaro Otsuka

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW

I’m interested in how neural activity is altered in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and how it affects their behavior. To resolve this question, I’m utilizing a head-mounted microscope and an operant task to see where and how the neural activity pattern of autistic model mice is altered during perseverative behavior, which is one of the principle symptoms in the autistic patients.

shintaro.otsuka@northwestern.edu
MS – Kitasato University
PhD – Keio University

Yiwen Zhu

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW

I am currently investigating the role of GluK2 kainate receptors in the process of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. My interest is to better understand mechanisms that regulate the maturation of adult-born dentate granule neurons and how adult-neurogenesis dependent behaviors can be ultimately impacted.  I also enjoy running, shopping, and trying out new restaurants.
 
yiwen.zhu@northwestern.edu
BA – Case Western Reserve University

Nai-Hsing Yeh

GRADUATE STUDENT

My research focuses on the role of striatal pathways in the motor learning process. I study the questions by using brain slice electrophysiology and animal behavioral paradigms. Outside of the lab, I enjoy jogging, handcrafting and trying different foods. 
 
Nai-HsingYeh2024@u.northwestern.edu
MS – Life Science – National Taiwan University
BA – Life Science – National Taiwan University

Morgane Chiesa

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW​

My research currently focuses on understanding the mechanisms of mossy fiber synaptic function. Out of the lab, I enjoy biking, hiking and hanging out with friends.
 
morgane.chiesa@northwestern.edu
PhD – Neuroscience – Aix-Marseille University
MS – Neuroscience & Neuropsychopharmacology – Bordeaux Segalen University 
BA – Health Engineering – Henri Poincaré University,

Diana I-Ribera

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW

My research interests are understanding the mechanisms of synaptic disruption underlying neuropsychiatric disorders.
 
diana.ribera@northwestern.edu
PhD – CINVESTAV – Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional – Mexico City

Matt Barraza

GRADUATE STUDENT

I am interested in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and epilepsy. For my project, I utilize transgenic mouse models to study synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. While not in lab, I enjoy watching movies and swimming.
 
matthew.barraza@northwestern.edu
BA – Molecular and Cell Biology – University of California, Berkeley

Interested in joining our team?

CONTACT US
Lab Alumni

Josset Yarbrough

POST-BACCALAUREATE Student

Currently a rotating NUIN student.

Christine Remmers

Graduate Student

Postdoc Fellow in Bill Catterall’s lab at The University of Washington

Sara Ferrando-Colomer

POSTDOC FELLOW

Currently doing great things.

Chad Morton

PostBac Student (2017-18)

Graduate student in Vanessa Ruta’s lab at The Rockefeller University

Kelly Marshall

MS Student | Research Tech (2016-18)

Gradate Student in Evangelos Kiskinis lab at Northwestern University

Stephen Kraniotis

MANAGER | RESEARCH TECH (2010-2017)

Web Designer Extraordinaire

Claire Piochon

Postdoc Fellow (2015-18)
Lecturer at The University of Portsmouth

Herman Fernandes

PostDoc Fellow

Manager, Behavioral Pharmacology at Pyschogenics Inc

Qionger He

PostDoc Fellow

Head of Pharma Dept of International Trade British Consulate in Shanghai

Justin Catches

Graduate Student (2004-11)

Currently doing great things.

Ted Russel

Research Technician (2006-10)

Postdoc Fellow in Bill Green’s laboratory at The University of Chicago

Emily Harlow

Post-Doc

Owner of Denali Park Adventures

Louisa A Christie

PostDoc Fellow (2007-10)

Senior Scientist at Cerevance Ltd