Cross-disciplinary training in computational approaches to the neuroscience of audition and communication

项目摘要 本培训计划的总体目标是识别，激励和培训下一个 一代神经科学家在听觉神经科学的计算方法 （CANAC）。这一目标优雅地映射到2017-2021年NIDCD战略 计划及其优先领域，旨在了解听力和沟通的神经基础， 不同的分析尺度和真实世界的收听环境。这些优先领域不仅需要 严格的实验操作和数据收集，以及连贯的计算理论来理解 数据，并为未来的科学做出可测试的预测。因此，我们提出了一个T32培训计划， 培养下一代的科学家，以听觉和听觉的实验神经科学为基础， 通信系统，同时也受到全面的培训，精通理论和计算。一个独特 这一培训提案的一个方面是其综合理念，利用高度协作和 跨学科的科学方法由宾夕法尼亚大学校园的教师培养：学生将掌握 从不同的传统领域的技术，成为独立的调查员，在这两个赋予技能 计算和实验神经科学。我们的课程包括核心课程和选修课程 旨在实现这一知识广度，并通过建议的研究实验室轮换来巩固 这将采取感兴趣的第一和第二年的博士预科学生从相关的研究生团体。 在第二年结束时成功完成初步考试后，感兴趣的学生将申请 正式加入我们的计划，基于兴趣和计划的书面陈述，论文提案，成绩， 推荐信。被录取的学员将获得两年的博士论文资助， 就当前的培训选择、融资机会和未来职业规划提供个人建议。学生将 接受跨学科培训：他们将由两名教师共同指导，其中一名教师的专业知识是 计算和另一个谁的专长是在实验神经科学的听觉和 通信系统。此外，由于听力的直接翻译和临床重要性， 及沟通能力，临床教员亦会担任毕业生的论文委员会成员。我们将 指导我们所有的学员在负责任的研究行为，并将继续努力，以提高多样性 我们的申请人通过有针对性的招聘，广泛的广告，并计划输出的传播。我们有 设计了一个复杂的评估小组，以跟踪进展和成果，并计划一个全面的 为博士前实习生的培训计划，包括期刊俱乐部，系列研讨会和年度务虚会。 这些活动共同构成了一个综合的、有指导的培训计划， 有才华和多样化的学生池，成为长期领导者在听觉和 沟通神经科学 !

Project Summary The overall objective of this training program is to identify, motivate, and train the next generation of neuroscientists in Computational Approaches to the Neuroscience of Audition and Communication (CANAC). This objective maps elegantly onto the 2017-2021 NIDCD Strategic Plan and its Priority Areas that aim to understand the neural basis of hearing and communication at different scales of analysis and in real-world listening environments. These Priority Areas require not only rigorous experimental manipulations and data collection but also coherent computational theory to understand the data and to make testable predictions for future science. As such, we propose a T32 training program to develop the next-generation of scientists grounded in the experimental neuroscience of auditory and communication systems, while also being thoroughly trained and versed in theory and computation. A unique aspect of this training proposal is its integrative philosophy which leverages a highly collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach to science fostered by faculty on the Penn campus: students will master techniques from diverse traditional fields to become independent investigators vested with skills in both computation and experimental neuroscience. Our program curriculum includes core and elective courses designed to achieve this breadth of knowledge and is consolidated by suggested research laboratory rotations that will be taken by interested first- and second-year predoctoral students from associated graduate groups. Upon successful completion of a preliminary exam at the end of the second year, interested students will apply formally to our program, based on a written statement of interests and plans, a thesis proposal, grades, and letters of recommendation. Accepted trainees will receive two years of funding for PhD-thesis work and individual advising on current training options, funding opportunities, and future career plans. Students will receive cross-disciplinary training: they will be co-mentored by two faculty members, one whose expertise is computational and another whose expertise is in the experimental neuroscience of auditory and communication systems. Additionally, because of the direct translational and clinical importance of audition and communication, clinical faculty will also serve as members of the trainees' thesis committees. We will instruct all of our trainees in the responsible conduct of research, and will continue efforts to enhance diversity of our applicants via targeted recruitment, broad advertising, and dissemination of program outputs. We have devised a sophisticated evaluation team to keep track of progress and outcomes, and plan a comprehensive training program for predoctoral trainees, including journal clubs, seminar series, and an annual retreat. Together, these activities comprise an integrative, directed training program that will develop a talented and diverse pool of students to become long-term leaders in the field of auditory and communication neuroscience. !