I’m interested in how the brain processes reward in both direct and vicarious experiences, and in particular, how these processes may alter one’s neural representations of the environment. My research approach will incorporate recordings of human intracranial activity and physiological markers of arousal as participants either ambulate freely or remain stationary during immersive augmented reality experiences.
Mentor: Nanthia Suthana, Ph.D.
I study the differential contribution of cell-types in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex to the brain’s encoding of task-relevant information during adaptive decision-making. By comparing neural activity from mice with recordings from humans during a similar task, I hope to gain insight into the roles discrete neuron types play during cognitive tasks in humans.
Mentor: Peyman Golshani, M.D., Ph.D.
I’m interested in using deep learning to improve patient outcomes and to further our understanding of neural processes and brain physiology. Currently, I am exploring how different deep learning approaches can be used to improve BCIs for motor imagery, as well as how we might elucidate neural mechanisms of pediatric epilepsy and gait freezing in Parkinson’s disease.
Mentor: William Speier, Ph.D.
Jonathan’s research is focused on peripheral nerve stimulation—specifically vagus nerve stimulation. Studying the mechanisms and modulation techniques of peripheral nerves is a logical precursor to studying the brain, since signals in nerves are much more predictable and easy to study. Jonathan is developing novel stimulation techniques to improve state-of-the-art vagus nerve stimulation, with the intention of translating those techniques to brain stimulation as our knowledge grows.
Mentor: Wentai Liu, Ph.D.
