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.