Other Education and Training Opportunities

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  • Master's Research Project - Cochlear Implants in Elderly Listeners: Neural Plasticity and Quality of Life
  • The Speech Neuroengineering and Cybernetics Lab (PI: Lee Miller) at UC Davis, in collaboration with Dr. Doron Sagiv (Otolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery), has a research project investigating speech perception in elderly adults who use cochlear implants. 
    This project will prepare the MS student for careers in domains such as medical devices, consumer tech, data science, brain-computer interfaces, and many more. 
    More information available at this link. 
  • Neuromatch Open Science 101 Course. November 11-15 or December 2-6, 2024.
  • Neuromatch connects people with research, education, mentorship, networking, and hiring opportunities by serving as a hub for great scientists, engineers, and scholars. Neuromatch's mission is to accelerate scientific innovation by facilitating inclusive, collaborative, and global participation in the computational sciences. 
    Open Science 101 is a free, one-week course designed to introduce participants to the principles and practices of open science. Geared toward researchers, students, and citizen scientists interested in the computational sciences, this course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to manage and share their data, code, and results effectively.
    For more information: https://neuromatch.io/open-science-101-course/
  • Summer 2025 Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) at the University of Washington. Deadline to apply: January 15, 2025.

  • Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington

    The CNT at the University of Washington (UW) sponsors a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) on the Seattle campus.  This program provides undergraduate students with opportunities to work on research projects with scientists and to take part in workshop training sessions in ethics, communications, and scientific presentation skills designed to provide the undergraduate scientist with a solid foundation for graduate study. Undergraduates will help with research in one of the labs at the UW.

    The summer 2025 CNT REU program will take place between mid-June to mid-August.

    Applications for the summer 2025 REU program will be available on this website in mid- to late-November 2024. Completed applications will be due on January 15, 2025. 
    More information: https://centerforneurotech.uw.edu/content/research-experience-undergraduates

  • Summer 2025 Undergraduate Research in Engineering/Sciences (SURE) at Georgia Tech. Deadline to apply: February 15, 2025.
  • More information: https://sure.gatech.edu/apply 
  • BCI & Neurotechnology Spring School 2025, April 28-May 7, 2025 (GMT Vienna) - via Zoom. Free.
  • Dive into 140 hours of cutting-edge education over 10 days, featuring insights from 85 speakers representing 86 institutions. Engage in 44 Hackathon projects led by 15 hosts, all focused on pushing the boundaries of neurotechnology.
    Organized by g.tec medical engineering. More information: https://www.gtec.at/bci-neurotech-spring-school-2025/
  • Project open to Master's and PhD students: Studying brain fluid pressure homeostasis (Faculty: Dr. Cameron Sadegh)

  • Posted: 10/3/2024

    Faculty advisor: Assistant Professor Cameron Sadegh, MD, PhD, Department of Neurological Surgery (csadegh@ucdavis.edu, more info here and here)

    Description: The goal of this project is to develop a more advanced cardiovascular-informed model of how brain pressure and volume relationships become pathologic, with an anticipated translational impact in the management of brain injuries related to elevated pressure. We (neurosurgeons and neurologists) have numerous strategies to treat hydrocephalus, compressive brain lesions, and traumatic brain injury, but our field lacks cohesive models or diagnostic devices to predict the optimal treatment. To address this problem, our lab has developed a “timing belt” hypothesis of hydrocephalus and plan to acquire data to test the theory, as it pertains to diagnostics and implications on surgical (or medical) treatment. The translational goal of this research will be in the refinement of personalized surgical decision-making for brain pressure management, particularly in hydrocephalus.
    Project outline

    A) assembling a prototype device for large animal compartmental brain pressure testing 
    B) simplifying the data (convert a string of waveforms into an averaged waveform) in order to extract a meaningful metric for comparison across normal and diseased animal models.
    C) developing a computer model/simulation of the "timing belt" hypothesis to complement or argue against the empiric data.
    Project requirements
    A) eagerness to learn about a complex and ill-defined problem in the neurosciences
    B) some programming knowledge to generate averaged waveforms and perform customized analysis of the data
    C) engineering skills to help with the prototype of the apparatus
    Timeframe: This is a multidisciplinary project, and I would like to make iterative progress in six month increments.
  • Projects in the Department of Neurology at UC Davis are listed on this Trello board.
  • Some projects may be of interest to neuroengineering students. 
  • Neuromatch Courses - Computational Neuroscience, Deep Learning, Computational Tools for Climate Science, and NeuroAI. Applications due March 24 for courses staring in early July 2024. 
  • Neuromatch connects people with research, education, mentorship, networking, and hiring opportunities by serving as a hub for great scientists, engineers, and scholars. Neuromatch's mission is to accelerate scientific innovation by facilitating inclusive, collaborative, and global participation in the computational sciences. 
    Computational Neuroscience - applications due March 24, 2024, course dates: July 8-26, 2024
    Deep Learning - applications due March 24, 2024, course dates: July 8-26, 2024
    NeuroAI - applications due March 24, 2024, course dates: July 15-26, 2024
    For more information: https://neuromatch.io/courses/
  • Brains, Minds and Machines Summer Course at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. August 4-25, 2024. Applications due March 20, 2024.
  • The goal of this course is to help produce a community of leaders that is equally knowledgeable in neuroscience, cognitive science, and computer science and will lead the scientific understanding of intelligence and the development of true biologically inspired AI.
    This course aims to cross-educate computer engineers and neuroscientists; it is appropriate for graduate students, postdocs, and faculty in computer science or neuroscience. Students are expected to have a strong background in at least one discipline (such as neurobiology, physics, engineering, and mathematics). 
    Course date: Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
    Application due date: Mar 20, 2024
    All costs (tuition/room and board) are generously provided by an NSF Science and Technology Center award to the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines.
    More information: https://cbmm.mit.edu/summer-school
  • BCI & Neurotechnology Spring School 2024, April 22-May 1, 2024 (GMT Vienna) - via Zoom. Free. 
  • Dive into 140 hours of cutting-edge education over 10 days, featuring insights from 85 speakers representing 86 institutions. Engage in 44 Hackathon projects led by 15 hosts, all focused on pushing the boundaries of neurotechnology.
    Organized by g.tec medical engineering. More information: https://www.gtec.at/spring-school-2024/
  • NSF-funded virtual workshop on "R Programming for Cognitive Neuroscience" - June 3-13, 2024. Apply here by April 15, 2024 to be considered.
  • This virtual, free workshop aims to teach students the basics of computer programming for use in cognitive neuroscience. Specific emphasis will be given on the skills needed to analyze behavioral data from cognitive tasks using the R programming language.
    **Ideal candidates include undergraduates who are conducting an honors thesis, post-baccs who are looking to gain additional experience, and beginning graduate students in cognitive psychology programs.
    **It will consist of 9 virtual lectures, 12-1:30pm Central Time. Students will be provided with a textbook, sample programs, and homework assignments.
    More information: https://sites.google.com/view/r-programming-workshop/home
  • Neuronal Axon Reconstruction Project for Masters Students (Faculty: Dr. Roy Ben-Shalom)
  • Work on data analysis pipeline to reconstruct neuronal axon morphology using electrophysiology data collected from primary neurons plated on Micro-Electrode Arrays
    Posted: 12/21/2023
    Faculty advisor: Assistant Prof. Roy Ben-Shalom, Neurology and MIND Institute (rbenshalom@ucdavis.edu, more info here)
    Description: At the Ben-Shalom lab, we specialize in using High Density Multi Electrode Arrays (HD-MEAs) to probe into neurodevelopmental disorders. This technique provides in-depth spatiotemporal data on neural activities, essential for deciphering the complexities of neural networks. The challenge lies in handling and interpreting the non-trivial HD-MEA data; including large data volumes and overlapping neural signals. Our project's goal is to harness this rich data to create detailed axonal reconstructions of primary neurons. We are developing a specialized axon-reconstruction pipeline, refining it with advanced parallelization methods and innovative strategies. Through these reconstructions, we aim to elucidate the role of neurons' electrical footprints, biophysical characteristics, and morphology; enabling a deeper understanding and more accurate characterization of the electrophysiologic features underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
    Requirements: Contact faculty advisor.
    Timeframe: Discuss with faculty advisor.
  • List of summer schools & short courses in computational neuroscience
  • List of summer schools & short courses in computational neuroscience - courtesy of Natalie Schaworonkow @nschawor 
  • Summer Research Programs, courtesy of Cientifico  Latino https://www.cientificolatino.com/reu 
  • Database of summer research programs for undergraduates, courtesy of Cientifico Latino https://www.cientificolatino.com/reu 
  • Summer 2024 Undergraduate Research in Engineering/Sciences (SURE) at Georgia Tech. Deadline to apply: February 15, 2024. 
  • More information: https://sure.gatech.edu/apply 
  • Summer 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) at the University of Washington. Deadline to apply: January 15, 2024.

  • Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington

    The CNT at the University of Washington (UW) sponsors a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) on the Seattle campus.  This program provides undergraduate students with opportunities to work on research projects with scientists and to take part in workshop training sessions in ethics, communications, and scientific presentation skills designed to provide the undergraduate scientist with a solid foundation for graduate study. Undergraduates will help with research in one of the labs at the UW.

    The summer 2024 CNT REU program will take place between June 10 to August 16.

    Applications for the summer 2024 REU program will be available on this website in mid- to late-November 2023. Completed applications will be due on January 15, 2024. 
    More information: https://centerforneurotech.uw.edu/content/research-experience-undergraduates

  • Project: Multi Electrode Array Analysis Pipeline - Project for Undergraduate or Masters Students (Faculty: Dr. Roy Ben-Shalom)

  • Posted: August 2023
    Faculty advisor: Assistant Prof. Roy Ben-Shalom, Neurology and MIND Institute (rbenshalom@ucdavis.edu, more info here)
    Description: We at the Ben-Shalom lab utilize High Density Multi Electrode Arrays (HD-MEAs) to characterize neurodevelopmental disorders. HD-MEA is an advanced recording method that provides high-resolution spatiotemporal information on neural firing patterns and is crucial for understanding neural network dynamics. However, analyzing HD-MEA data presents challenges due to large data volume, spatial complexity, and overlapping spike waveforms. The project aims to develop a spike sorting pipeline, optimize it through parallelization techniques, and study the electrical footprints and biophysical properties of neurons to efficiently characterize them.
    Requirements: Contact faculty advisor.

    Timeframe: Discuss with faculty advisor.

  • Project: Investigating Memory Phenomena Using Intracranial EEG - Project for Undergraduate or Masters Students (Faculty: Dr. Nigel Pedersen)

  • Posted: August 2023
    Faculty advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nigel P. Pedersen, Neurology (nppedersen@ucdavis.edu , more information here)
    Description: This project focuses on human memory processes and various phenomena of human memory, such as recollection and familiarity. The roles that these specific memory processes play in recognition memory decisions remains a widely debated topic within the field of memory research. In using intracranial electrophysiology techniques with human participants, we are conducting research to better understand the neural circuitry underlying familiarity and recollection. Students who are interested in gaining experience with human memory research, signal processing techniques, and image reconstruction are encouraged to apply.

    Requirements: Prior experience or willingness to learn programming in MATLAB

    Timeframe: Discuss with faculty advisor.

  • Project: Metacognitive Experiences and Scalp EEG - Project for Undergraduate or Masters Students (Faculty: Dr. Nigel Pedersen)

  • Posted: August 2023
    Faculty advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nigel P. Pedersen, Neurology (nppedersen@ucdavis.edu , more information here) 
    Description: The strange metacognitive experience of déjà vu and its relationship to other memory-based phenomena, such as feelings of familiarity, are not well understood from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. Although extensive research on this memory experience has been conducted using behavioral techniques, there has been little done using cognitive neuroscience methods, such as scalp EEG. This project will use established memory paradigms to study déjà vu experiences and related sensations in conjunction with scalp EEG to examine ERPs associated with these memory phenomena. Students who are interested in gaining experience with human data collection and experiment development are encouraged to apply.
    Requirements: Prior experience or willingness to learn programming in E-Prime for experiment development and MATLAB and/or Python for data analysis

    Timeframe: Discuss with faculty advisor.

  • Project: Electrophysiology Data Processing Pipeline Development - Project for Undergraduate Students and/or Masters Students (Faculty: Dr. Nigel Pedersen)

  • Posted: August 2023
    Faculty advisor: Assoc. Prof. Nigel P. Pedersen, Neurology (nppedersen@ucdavis.edu , more information here) 
    Description: There is a need for an increased understanding of the bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and a common comorbidity of epilepsy, insomnia.  The analysis of this relationship using animal models of epilepsy requires the identification of sleep and seizure states in electrophysiologically-recorded mice.  In order to address this need, we have developed an artificial-intelligence-driven pipeline to rapidly identify sleep states in our mouse recordings.  The goal of this project is to improve the usability of the existing pipeline via input handling for additional file formats, increased parametrization, and packaging of the code.  This project will allow for the wider use of our analysis pipeline, thereby improving the speed and accuracy of sleep analysis for both the general sleep and the sleep and epilepsy specific research communities.
    Requirements: Programming with Python or willingness to learn how to program in Python.

    Timeframe: Discuss with faculty advisor.

  • Project: Educational Computer Game Development - Microfabrication. Projects for Undergraduate Students and/or Masters Students (Faculty: Dr. Erkin Seker)

  • Posted: July 2023
    Faculty advisor: Professor Erkin Şeker (eseker@ucdavis.edu, more info here)
    Description: There is a need for educational tools that can reach a growing number of students and the general public with minimal resources to access laboratory courses that require expensive research infrastructure, such as a microfabrication facility. In order to address this need, we have developed an educational computer game that simulates a microfabrication laboratory and teaches essential techniques such as wet chemistry and photolithography, in an interactive manner. The goal of this project is to continue improving this game and/or start other educational games for teaching different laboratory techniques (e.g., analytical chemistry, biology, etc.).
    Requirements: Programming with Unity3D or willingness to learn how to program in Unity3D

    Timeframe: Discuss with faculty advisor.

  • Summer 2023 Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the Center for Neurotechnology (CNT), University of Washington. Deadline to apply: January 15, 2023.

  • Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington

    The CNT at the University of Washington (UW) sponsors a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) on the Seattle campus.  This program provides undergraduate students with opportunities to work on research projects with scientists and to take part in workshop training sessions in ethics, communications, and scientific presentation skills designed to provide the undergraduate scientist with a solid foundation for graduate study. Undergraduates will help with research in one of the labs at the UW.

    The summer 2023 CNT REU program will start on June 13, 2023 (Tuesday) and end on August 18, 2023 (Friday).

    Completed applications are due on January 15, 2023. 
    More information: https://centerforneurotech.uw.edu/content/research-experience-undergraduates

  • 2022 Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering/Sciences (SURE) program at Georgia Tech. Deadline to apply: February 15, 2022.

  • Georgia Tech/Emory invites applications to become a Fellow in the NIH/NIBIB Computational Neural Engineering Training Program (CNTP). Fellows receive full stipend and tuition for two years to support rotations and foster cross-disciplinary collaborative training. The CNTP aims to train the next generation of researchers at the intersection of computational neuroscience, neural engineering, data science, and clinical neurophysiology. More information: https://sure.gatech.edu

    Fellow applications are solicited from admitted applicants to one of the four participating PhD programs linked below (PhD in BME, ECE, Bioe or ML). Fellows must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents. If you are interested in joining the CNTP, you must first apply to one of those programs. Deadlines vary, beginning December 1, 2021. Detailed application instructions: https://sites.gatech.edu/cntp/how-to-apply/.

    Please contact Dr. Rozell at crozell@gatech.edu with any questions.

    Participating PhD programs

    PhD in Biomedical Engineering at GT/Emory (due 12/1/2021)

    https://bme.gatech.edu/bme/georgia-tech-emory-bme-phd-program 

    PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering at GT (due 12/16/2021)

    https://www.ece.gatech.edu/graduate-admissions 

    PhD in Bioengineering at GT with BME or ECE home school (deadline is from home school)

    https://bioengineering.gatech.edu/ 

    PhD in Machine Learning at GT with BME or ECE home school (deadline is from home school)

    http://ml.gatech.edu/phd 

  • 2022 Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program at the Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington. Applications are due by January 15, 2022.

  • The CNT at the University of Washington sponsors a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) on the Seattle campus.  This program provides undergraduate students with opportunities to work on research projects with scientists and to take part in workshop training sessions in ethics, communications, and scientific presentation skills designed to provide the undergraduate scientist with a solid foundation for graduate study. Undergraduates will help with research in one of the labs at the UW.

    For more information, visit https://centerforneurotech.uw.edu/content/research-experience-undergraduates