Mentor Areas
We combine systems neuroscience techniques with computational methods to understand the neural and homeostatic mechanisms controlling sleep in the mammalian brain. We acquire large electrophysiological data sets from mice and then apply various data analysis techniques to understand how neural networks control the interaction between different brain states during sleep. Research in the lab largely focuses on the control of REM sleep, the brain state associated with vivid dreaming.
Description:
Mammalian sleep is a highly dynamical process governed by complex neural and homeostatic interactions that regulate the oscillation between different brain states. The goal of the proposed project is to understand basic mathematical/statistical principles that control sleep in mice. The student will work with large electrophysiological datasets acquired from mice and use machine learning algorithms, dynamical systems models, and/or statistical methods to understand the basic homeostatic mechanisms that underlie the regulation of sleep. Principles/ideas derived from this computational work can then be experimentally tested in the lab. The project offers opportunity to learn apply computational/statistical methods to large data sets and to learn about cutting-edge systems neuroscience technology.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong programming skills (Python or Matlab), basic understanding of machine learning and signal processing.
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Project Academic Year
2023–2024
Volunteer
Yes
Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.