Research Opportunities for Undergrad Students

Overview   Research Description

OVERVIEW

Our laboratory is highly interdisciplinary and encourages students with hands on lab experience or skills or interest in gaining such experience to apply. Prior experience is desirable. More important, we encourage and appreciate can-do spirit (even without experience) and willingness to learn and work in a collaborative team, possibly under the mentorship of grad student/post doc. If the student has limited or no experience but has a keen interest, then the student should be willing to volunteer and commit to extended training period and team work. Commitment to do long-term research is highly desirable and recommended. Both paid and unpaid positions are available depending on qualifications

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

1. Develop cellular techniques for patterning neurons and molecular/genetic modifications to form neural networks

   • Preferred Background: cell culture, molecular biology, neurobiology
   • Desirable Interests: merge biology with microfabrication, MEMS, nanotechnologies

2. Evoked potentials and EEG monitoring in i) brain injury and ii) spinal cord injury in a) animal model (rat) and humans

   • Preferred Background: animal (rodent) measurements and surgery
   • Desirable Interests: clinical research and interactions with clinical neuroscientists; or computer-aided signal processing and data analysis

3. Functional imaging of brain using laser/optical methods

   • Preferred Background: optics, instrumentation, animal surgery/experimentation
   • Desirable Interests: studying basic neuroscience of functional imaging, blood flow and brain activity; optional interest in extending technology to new/different applications such as tumor angiogenesis or retinal microvessel imaging

4. Microsensor and VLSI circuits for neuronal/neurochemical measurements

   • Preferred Background: circuits, VLSI, instrumentation, microfabrication
   • Desirable Interests: hands-on instrumentation and electronics interest

5. Brain Computer Interface/Prosthesis: Acquiring and analyzing muscle (EMG) and brain signals (EEG and event related), developing microcontroller and sensor interfaces (tactile/haptics), programming microcontrollers and telemetry system for prosthesis system integration, programming PC for brain-computer interface

   • Preferred Background: electronics, microprocessors, programming
   • Desirable Interests: team work to carry out the projects and coming up with innovative ideas and solutions