Integrative Training in Neural Interfacing

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Project Summary We propose to establish an integrative graduate training program in Neural Interfacing to enhance significantly the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary education and training of the next generation of scientific and technical leaders in this important, emerging field. The proposed program is motivated by the notion that future breakthroughs in neural interfacing research will be made by engineers who innovate neural interfacing technologies with a deep understanding of the fundamental issues and principles of brain science, and who have had hands-on experience in the application of neural interfacing technology in a real-world biological setting, aiming at ultimate clinical applications. The proposed program will train doctoral students with quantitative engineering backgrounds to: 1) Develop the technological and theoretical foundations to understand brain function and dysfunction through neural interfacing, i.e., through sensing, modeling, decoding, and modulating brain dynamics at circuit, network, and whole brain levels, 2) Advance our understanding of brain function in the domains of learning, motor control, perception and cognition, and determine and quantify the adaptive changes of the brain that occur in a novel environment, when interacting with a machine, or when in an altered, diseased state, and 3) Innovate brain sensing, modeling, decoding, and modulation technologies, based both on quantifiable behavioral or perceptual outcomes and on the adaptive changes occurring in the brain during a neural intervention. Our predoctoral fellows will be trained through an array of mechanisms including a newly proposed Neuroengineering Minor, a Practicum of Neural Interfacing course consisting of 8~12 mini-lab-rotations, in-depth research rotations, thesis co-advisors, weekly training activities including seminars and colloquia, and training in career skills development and responsible conduct of research. An advisory system will help guide students through the program. Our program will lower the barriers to interdisciplinary, convergent research by training students with quantitative backgrounds to possess integrative expertise in multiple fields so that, going forward, these students can serve as catalysts for the cross-fertilization of engineering with neuroscience in the next generation. Our trainees will be well prepared for academic and industrial challenges, be competitive candidates for academic, industry and government careers, and be at the forefront of translating scientific findings and engineering and computational technology development into industrial and clinical settings. It is anticipated that trainees of the proposed training program will become future leaders through neurotechnology innovations that enhance, measure and modulate, and ultimately heal our brain through neural interfaces.