REU Site: Human Neuroscience Techniques and Training

Overview

Human neuroscience research in this program leverages artificial intelligence (AI) by seeking to improve our ability to analyze neural data and understand how neural data align with human behaviors in basic science and clinical populations. AI plays a transformative role in human brain imaging by enhancing the accuracy, speed, and depth of data analysis and is a critical part of the proposed REU program. REU students will learn about these techniques. The intersection of biotechnology and human brain imaging is driving significant advancements in understanding brain function. Biotechnology enables the development of novel imaging methods, genetic tools, and biological sensors that, when combined with advanced imaging techniques, provide deeper insights into brain structure and activity. This synergy allows researchers to understand developmental aspects of brain function, monitor therapeutic responses, and understand the biochemical underpinnings of brain disorders paving the way for clearer approaches to understand the human brain. This REU program engages laboratories that use advanced biotechnological approaches to enhance our understanding of brain activity patterns in health and disease. The goals of the REU is to train students in human neuroscience techniques such as electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. The program recruits students studying psychology, biology, neuroscience, or related fields from colleges and universities without access to magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalography. It increases scientific and technical knowledge of students by providing a 10-week intensive summer program in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis using AI, biotech, and other techniques.