REU Site: Summer Research in Neural Systems Engineering

明尼苏达大学的本科生研究经验（REU）网站将支持多样化的本科生群体，以从事神经系统工程跨学科领域的研究。 该计划将突出神经技术在基础科学研究和医疗保健方面的最新发展。据估计，1亿美国公民在其一生中将患有与大脑相关的严重疾病。 有必要培养科学家和工程师，他们将研究和理解将神经系统工程研究转化为人类应用的过程。该网站将专注于招募多元化的学生群体，重点是招募女性、代表性不足的少数族裔以及有机会从事STEM研究的大学本科生。 在为期三年的时间里，该REU计划将让本科生参加为期10周的密集夏季研究体验，旨在进一步开发用于大脑成像，解码和调制的神经技术。 项目将侧重于开发技术，运行模拟或数据分析。 许多项目将整合多种形式的神经技术，如多模式成像，脑机接口和闭环神经调节。 学生将有机会研究神经元动力学，可塑性，学习和注意力作为反馈指标，以优化神经技术。 研究项目将为REU学生提供学习大规模数据分析，大脑计算建模和参与实验的机会。该计划将有小组建设项目，以发展计划内的学生之间的凝聚力，并与他们的研究生导师创造持久的友谊和合作。该计划将强调近同行指导，其中REU学生将在研究生院的第二年和第三年直接指导学生，并反过来将提供机会，以满足和教育高中学生神经工程。 为了拓宽视野，学生将参加与NSF IGERT计划和神经工程中心联合举办的双周神经工程研讨会系列。 多种机制将有助于指导学生的专业发展，并为研究生院做好准备。 为了培养沟通技巧，学生将参加外展计划，并在计划结束时在一个小型论坛上展示他们的研究。

This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site from the University of Minnesota will support a diverse cohort of undergraduate students to pursue research in the interdisciplinary field of neural systems engineering. This program will highlight recent developments in neurotechnology for basic science research and healthcare. It is estimated that 100 million U.S. citizens will have a significant brain-related disorder in their lifetime. There is a need to train scientists and engineers who will research and understand the process for translating neural systems engineering research into human applications. This site will focus on recruiting a diverse group of students with an emphasis on recruiting women, underrepresented minorities, and undergraduates from colleges where opportunities to pursue STEM-based research are opportunities. Over a three year period, this REU program will engage undergraduate students in a 10-week intensive, summer research experience aimed at further developing neurotechnology for brain imaging, decoding and modulation. Projects will focus on developing technology, running simulations or data analysis. Many of the projects will integrate multiple modalities of neurotechnology, such as multi-modal imaging, brain-computer interfaces and closed-loop neuromodulation. Students will have opportunities to investigate neuronal dynamics, plasticity, learning and attention as feedback metrics to optimize neurotechnologies. Research projects will provide opportunities for REU students to learn about large scale data analysis, computational modeling of the brain, and participate in experiments. The program will have group building projects to develop a cohesion between the students within the program and with their graduate student mentors to create lasting friendships and collaborations. The program will emphasize near-peer mentoring where the REU students will be directly mentored students in their second and third year of graduate school, and in turn will be offered the opportunity to meet and educate high school students about neural engineering. To broaden their perspective, students will participate in a bi-weekly neuroengineering seminar series hosted in conjunction with a NSF IGERT program and the Center for Neuroengineering. Multiple mechanisms will help guide students in their professional development and prepare them for graduate school. To develop communication skills, students will participate in outreach programs and present their research in a small forum at the end of the program.