Principle InvestigatoR
Matthew Kirchner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Physiology
Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN) Faculty
Matt was born in Nashville, TN and received his B.A. in Neuroscience and Philosophy from the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH. He obtained his Ph.D. at University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN where he studied electrophysiological differences between oxytocin and vasopressin magnocellular neurons under the dual mentorship of Dr. William Armstrong and Dr. Robert Foehring. As a postdoctoral fellow in Javier Stern’s lab at Georgia State University, he continued studying mechanisms oxytocin and vasopressin neurophysiology in the context of cardiometabolic diseases including obesity and heart failure. During this time, he was awarded an F32 fellowship and K99/R00 grant from the NIH. Matt joined the Department of Medical Physiology at Texas A&M University as an Assistant Professor in June 2025.
postdoctoral research associate
Obed Paundralingga, Ph.D.
Obed Paundralingga was born in Indonesia and received his M.D. from Universitas Brawijaya. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to pursue an M.S. in Anatomy and Neuroscience at The Ohio State University. He obtained his Ph.D. at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, where he studied differential responses of paraventricular nucleus neurons to optogenetic activation of the MnPO–PVN pathway under chronic intermittent hypoxia. As a clinician turned researcher, Obed is broadly interested in the interactions between neural and cardiovascular systems, with a particular focus on how hypothalamic circuits contribute to autonomic and cardiorespiratory dysfunction.
Research Associate
Laila Abdel-Rahim, B.S.
Laila completed her associate’s degree in premedical biology at Houston Community College in 2020 and later received her bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular neuroscience from Texas A&M University in 2022. She has previously worked with various research models, including but not limited to depression and anxiety, functional recovery after spinal cord injury, and heart failure. Passionate about the interdisciplinary nature of the nervous system, Laila plans to pursue a graduate degree to further explore the interplay between neurological and physiological mechanisms that contribute to various diseases.
In her free time, she enjoys crafts, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her pets. She joined the lab in October 2025 as a Research Associate.
undergraduate student
Yahya Khan
Yahya is a student at Texas A&M University obtaining his bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular neuroscience with prior studies in biomedical engineering. Previous research involved the synthesis of non-skid coating materials using frontal polymerization under the LSU Department of Chemistry, and current work is now focused on developing an electroactive wound healing device for accelerated tissue repair and infection prevention as the team lead for the NASA ORBIT competition. Yahya plans to graduate in 2027 hoping to attend medical school to pursue a career as a physician. Outside of the lab, he is involved in different hobbies such as playing percussion for the Aggie Concert Band, wrestling with the TAMU club team, and baking banana bread. Yahya joined the lab in November 2025 as an undergraduate research assistant..
undergraduate student
Shrika Vurimi
Shrika Vurimi is a student at Texas A&M University obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Prior research involved the rheological characterization of Hydroxyapatite-based photopolymers for 3D-printed bone implants and the analysis of colloidal and non-Newtonian fluids under the Aggie Research Scholars Program. Her clinical training includes hands-on phlebotomy experience at St. Joseph’s Health, where she performed venipunctures and processed biological specimens under CLIA and OSHA standards. Current work is focused on the early detection of acute kidney injury as an intern at RenalSignal, an early-stage medical device startup at the Texas Medical Center. Shrika plans to graduate in December 2026 and aspires to continue doing research before attending medical school. Outside of the lab, she is on the Scholar Leadership Board for the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership program affiliated with UT Southwestern Medical Center. She enjoys painting, hiking, roadtrips, and trivia. Shrika joined the lab in June 2026 as an undergraduate research assistant.
