Your Name

Xinyuan Yan

PhD

About Me

I am a researcher in human neuroscience, with a deep passion for understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms behind depression and anxiety. Although this may seem like a monumental challenge for a single lifetime, I have dedicated myself to making meaningful strides since beginning my research journey in 2016

In the early years of my career, I focused on human social behaviors and adaptation, investigating how oxytocin and its placebo effects could foster prosocial behaviors and improve social well-being. This work sparked my interest in the powerful role that neural and psychological mechanisms play in shaping human behavior and mental health

Since 2022, I have turned my attention to the computational underpinnings of mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety. Understanding how brain dysfunction contributes to these conditions is key to advancing neuro-modulation techniques, with the potential to treat mental illness at its source

Recognizing the critical importance of early intervention, I co-founded NAODAO in 2020 to develop systems that track mental health and facilitate early diagnosis, with the ultimate goal of preventing mental illness from escalating

My light

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)

Curriculum Vitae

Download CV (PDF)

Publications