NINDS’s Sheng Wins FAPAC Mentorship Award

Dr. Zu-Hang Sheng

Dr. Zu-Hang Sheng, senior investigator and chief of NINDS’s synaptic function section, recently received the 2021 Dr. Francisco S. Sy Award for Excellence in Mentorship from the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) of the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Sheng, at NINDS for 25 years, is a leader in the field of neuronal organelle transport and axonal energy metabolism. He has made seminal contributions to the axonal transport of mitochondria and endo-lysosomes in maintaining energy and cellular homeostasis. His studies have elucidated important energy mechanisms of synaptic variability and regeneration failure, and conceptually advanced knowledge into mitochondrial pathology, energy deficits and lysosomal dysfunction in brain injury and neurodegeneration. 

In addition to his scientific contributions, Sheng is an awarded mentor in training scientists at various levels—both in their research and career development. Many of his trainees have developed their own careers in academic, industry or government sectors; this includes 10 Asian or Asian American scientists who have successfully moved on to start their own research labs.

The Sy award is one of two established by HHS FAPAC in 2019 to recognize outstanding contributions from the Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The honor recognizes an HHS employee who has provided exceptional mentorship to others and fostered their professional growth and career development.