Dr. Mingkuan Sun is a neuroscience researcher with a Ph.D. awarded in March 2025, recognized for his work in neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuroplasticity. His research focuses on how environmental toxins—such as heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals—interact with genetic factors to influence the development of conditions like autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Alzheimer’s disease. He also works to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop precision intervention strategies.

Dr. Sun currently serves as a Professor of Neurotoxicology at the School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, a position he has held since 2021. His prior experience includes research and postdoctoral roles at top institutions such as the University of Minnesota and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he contributed significantly to the understanding of neuropathological mechanisms.

He leads several national and institutional research projects, including studies on congenital malformations, brain region targeting in social disorders, and the impact of environmental toxins on neurodevelopment using Drosophila as a model organism.

Dr. Sun is a member of major scientific societies such as the Society for Neuroscience, Genetics Society of America, and Chinese Neuroscience Society, and he actively serves as a peer reviewer for numerous international journals, including Environmental Pollution, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, and Toxicology Research.

He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications, many of which explore the molecular effects of environmental pollutants on brain development and function. His work is widely recognized, with notable papers in journals such as Acta Neuropathologica, Autophagy, and Environmental International. He was awarded the Jiangsu Specially-Appointed Professorship in 2021 for his scientific contributions.