Xiaoxi Zhuang's main interest in science is the neurobiological basis of behavior. This interest started in his college years in Beijing University (1984-1988) where he double majored in Biophysics and Psychology. This interest was further strengthened during his PhD training in Biopsychology at Columbia University from 1991 to 1996. He began his postdoctoral training with Rene Hen at the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior of Columbia University in 1996, where he developed expertise in sophisticated mouse genetics, and most importantly, learned to use genetic approaches to examine the neurobiological basis of behavior. Zhuang joined the Department of Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Physiology, The University of Chicago in 2001 as an Assistant Professor. His research group focuses on the role of dopamine in modulating behavior (motor function, reward based learning and motivation) using genetic approaches. These studies have led to grants and awards from the NIH, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, the National Alliance for Autism Research, the Tourette Syndrome Association, the National Parkinson Foundation, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, and the American Parkinson Disease Association.