Find Academic Supervisors

• Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• +7 more

Anne Kathryn Churchland is Professor of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, where she holds the Arnold B. Scheibel, M.D. Chair for Brain Research. She leads a multidisciplinary laboratory that leverages large-scale electrophysiology, wide-field calcium imaging, and computational modeling to understand how cortical and sub-cortical circuits transform multisensory evidence into flexible decisions. Churchland co-founded and co-directs the International Brain Laboratory (IBL), a global consortium that has released the first standardized, brain-wide dataset of mouse decision-making. Her work has revealed fundamental principles such as choice-selective inhibition, category-free mixed selectivity, and the influence of spontaneous movements on cortical dynamics, while simultaneously producing open-source tools for chronic Neuropixels recordings, motion correction (DREDge), and web-based data exploration. Education: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, November 2003 Research Focus: Churchland’s group investigates how distributed neural populations encode and integrate sensory information across modalities, accumulate evidence over time, and generate choice. Using high-density Neuropixels probes and cortex-wide calcium imaging in head-fixed and freely moving mice, her team links trial-by-trial neural dynamics to sophisticated behavioral models. A unifying theme is the role of latent behavioral states—such as arousal, engagement, and spontaneous movement—in shaping sensory representations and decision computations. Technological & Open-Science Contributions: Beyond scientific discoveries, the lab develops and openly shares hardware (lightweight reusable Neuropixels implants), algorithms (DREDge motion correction), and data platforms (IBL Data & Atlas websites). These resources are already accelerating labs worldwide and exemplify her commitment to reproducible, collaborative neuroscience. Selected Honors: UCLA Excellence in Postdoc Mentoring Award (2024) James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Faculty Research Award, CSHL (2020) Louise Hanson Marshall Special Recognition Award, Society for Neuroscience (2017) Janett Rosenberg Trubatch Career Development Award, SfN (2012) Funding & Leadership: Churchland has served as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator on continuous NIH support since 2008, including a current U19 “State-dependent Decision-making in Brain-wide Neural Circuits” and prior R01 and K99/R00 awards. She is an active member of the NeuroAI initiative, promoting two-way interactions between neuroscience and next-generation artificial intelligence. Training Environment: The Churchland lab at UCLA provides a vibrant training ground for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, integrating experimental design, advanced data acquisition, large-scale compute, and theoretical analysis. Trainees leave with broad expertise valued in both academic and tech sectors, as evidenced by her 2024 UCLA mentoring award.

Diego Mendoza HallidayView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neural Circuits
• +3 more

Diego Mendoza Halliday is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh and Principal Investigator of the Mendoza-Halliday Lab. He holds affiliations with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC), a joint venture between the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), and is a Research Affiliate at MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research. Previously, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Scientist at MIT under Dr. Robert Desimone. His education includes a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neurophysiology from McGill University (2014) and postdoctoral training at MIT. His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying working memory manipulation, particularly how neurons and microcircuits across brain regions dynamically transform and monitor mental representations. Techniques employed include high-density laminar electrophysiology and custom optogenetic tools to study cognitive functions like attention and decision-making. Key research themes include neuronal substrates of visual attention and working memory, spectrolaminar cortical organization, and optogenetic innovation. Recent work highlights dissociable neural pathways for attention and memory and universal cortical layer-specific activity patterns. His lab's interdisciplinary approach bridges electrophysiology, optogenetics, and computational modeling to uncover foundational mechanisms of human cognition. Notable contributions include developing ultra-sensitive optogenetic opsins and revealing laminar-specific neural dynamics across primate cortex. Awards and honors are not explicitly listed in available texts, but his work has been published in top-tier journals like Neuron and Nature Neuroscience .

Stephanie RudolphView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +5 more

Stephanie Rudolph, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding how neuromodulation and inhibition shape cerebellar circuits involved in social communication and motor function, with implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. She employs genetic, viral, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches to study cerebellar circuit dynamics, particularly the roles of neuromodulatory systems in autonomic regulation, social interactions, and sex-specific signaling. Her work integrates molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms to elucidate how cerebellar function dynamically responds to physiological contexts. Key areas of investigation include the anatomical basis of neuromodulation in the mouse cerebellum, modulation of cerebellar output, and the interplay between sensory inputs and behavioral responses. Rudolph's lab has contributed to defining cerebellar cell types through transcriptomic analyses and characterizing synaptic inhibitory pathways critical for cerebellar function. Selected publications highlight discoveries about cerebellar interneurons (candelabrum cells), GABAergic signaling disruptions, and the impact of cerebellar development on autism-like behaviors. Her research bridges basic neuroscience with translational insights into neurological disorders. Grants and collaborations likely support this multidisciplinary work, though specific funding details are not explicitly listed here.

• Neuroimaging
• Medical Imaging
• Data Analysis
• +3 more

Dr. Thomas Close is a National Imaging Facility Informatics Fellow at the School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney . His work focuses on neuroimaging analysis, computational neuroscience, and developing reproducible research tools. He holds a PhD and has contributed to advancements in medical imaging technologies like MRI/PET motion correction and multimodal data integration. Education: PhD (details not specified). Affiliations: National Imaging Facility, School of Biomedical Engineering, and collaborations with institutions like Monash University. Research Interests: Dr. Close specializes in neuroimaging methodologies, including motion correction algorithms, multimodal imaging (fMRI/PET), and open-source software frameworks for reproducible neuroscience. His work bridges computational techniques and clinical applications, with a focus on cerebellar function and neurodegenerative diseases such as Friedreich ataxia. Publications: His recent research includes Neurodesk (an open science tool for neuroimaging), cortico-cerebellar architecture studies, and advancements in diffusion MRI tractography. His work emphasizes reproducibility, open science practices, and collaborative platforms like Brainhack. Grants/Advising: No specific grants or advisees listed in the provided texts. However, his research collaborations suggest engagement with interdisciplinary teams. Labs/Teams: Associated with the National Imaging Facility, where he contributes to informatics initiatives, and the University of Sydney’s Biomedical Engineering labs focusing on neuroimaging technologies.

Thomas ButtsView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Developmental neurobiology
• Neuroanatomy
• Evolutionary biology
• +3 more

Thomas Butts is a Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience and Deputy Phase 1 Lead at the University of Sunderland’s School of Medicine. He also serves as the theme lead for Neuroscience and the School’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion lead. His academic career spans developmental neurobiology, neuroanatomy, and evolutionary biology, with a focus on cerebellar development and evolution. Education: PhD in Evolution of Homeobox Genes – supervised by Dr David Ferrier and Prof Peter Holland, University of Oxford Undergraduate studies in Cell Biology – Durham University Research Interests: Thomas is a developmental neurobiologist whose work centers on how the brain develops and how this process has evolved over 500 million years. His research particularly focuses on the cerebellum, which contains ~80% of the neurons in the brain and exhibits diverse morphologies across vertebrates. He investigates the molecular control of neurogenesis, using comparative genomics and genetic manipulations in chick embryos to understand cerebellar development and its evolutionary origins. Additionally, he explores medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain tumor arising from cerebellar progenitors, and collaborates with the School of Law to study the implications of human brain development for juvenile sentencing. Publications and Research Impact: Thomas has authored or co-authored over 28 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as Nature , eLife , Development , and Journal of Anatomy . His work covers a range of topics from BMP signaling in cerebellar development to the evolution of neuropeptide systems and vertebrate segmentation. His research integrates developmental biology, evolutionary biology, and medical neuroscience, contributing to both basic science and translational applications. Teaching and Supervision: He teaches molecular biology, genetics, genomics, embryology, neuroanatomy, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology across the medical curriculum. He also serves as a personal tutor and leads neuroscience-themed education within the School of Medicine. Collaborations and Interdisciplinary Work: Thomas collaborates with researchers at King’s College London, the University of Liverpool, and the School of Law at the University of Sunderland. His interdisciplinary work bridges neuroscience, developmental biology, and legal studies, particularly in understanding adolescent brain development and its societal implications.

Yuranny Cabral-CalderinView profile

Researcher

• Neural oscillations
• Neural entrainment
• Noninvasive brain stimulation
• +3 more

Dr. Yuranny Cabral-Calderin is a Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. She holds a PhD in Systems Neurosciences from the University of Göttingen (2016), an MSc in Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience from the Cuban Center for Neuroscience (2011), and a Diploma in Psychology from Havana University (2007). Her research focuses on neural oscillations, noninvasive brain stimulation, and auditory/visual perception, with a particular interest in neural entrainment mechanisms and brain imaging techniques like EEG-fMRI and tACS. She has contributed to understanding how rhythmic auditory stimulation and transcranial stimulation modulate brain activity and perception. Her work spans both human and animal models (e.g., bats), exploring cortical networks and oscillatory coherence. Awards include the Merit Abstract Award (OHBM, 2015) and FENS-IBRO stipend (2014). She has held postdoctoral positions at the Max Planck Institute, Goethe University’s Brain Imaging Center, and the German Resilience Center, contributing to interdisciplinary research on neural circuits, consciousness, and cognition.

Christof KochView profile

Research Professor

• Neuroscience
• Consciousness
• Computational Neuroscience
• +2 more

Christof Koch is a renowned neuroscientist serving as Meritorious Investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and Chief Scientist at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation. His primary research explores the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness, integrating theoretical neuroscience with experimental approaches. With over 300 publications, his work spans neurophysiology, computational modeling, and clinical applications of consciousness research. His research focuses on understanding how neuronal activity gives rise to subjective experience, utilizing techniques ranging from single-cell recordings to large-scale brain mapping. Koch investigates neural correlates of consciousness through integrated information theory and develops neurotechnological approaches for brain disorders. Koch's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cortical circuit mechanisms, consciousness assessment methodologies, and comparative neuroanatomy. His work combines advanced neuroimaging, electrophysiological techniques, and theoretical modeling to unravel brain complexity. The research consistently bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications, particularly in neuromonitoring and brain-computer interfaces. He leads multidisciplinary teams at the Allen Institute and collaborates internationally, driving innovations in brain mapping and consciousness research. Koch mentors numerous early-career neuroscientists through the MindScope program and various institutional initiatives.

Simon MusallView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neural Network Function
• Decision-making
• Multisensory Processing
• +3 more

Prof. Simon Musall is an Assistant Professor of Neuromodulation at RWTH Aachen University and Head of the in-vivo Neurophysiology Lab at Forschungszentrum Jülich. His research focuses on understanding how multisensory information is integrated in neural networks to guide behavior, particularly in mice performing cognitive tasks. He employs advanced techniques like high-density electrophysiology and functional imaging to study cortical networks, pathway-specific information transfer, and neuromodulation effects. Key research interests include neural network function, decision-making mechanisms, and neuromodulation's role in information processing. His lab develops cutting-edge neurotechnology, such as flexible neural probes and organic neurohybrid systems, to advance in vivo recordings and closed-loop control. Collaborative projects integrate computational neuroscience with experimental approaches to dissect cortical circuit dynamics and their behavioral correlates. Recent work highlights contributions to spike sorting algorithms (UnitRefine), network dynamics modeling (Riemannian multi-scale decomposition), and enzyme-mediated neurohybrid interfaces. His interdisciplinary approach bridges basic neuroscience with translational tools for studying neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Comparative Neuroscience
• Consciousness Studies
• +3 more

Andreas Nieder is a Professor at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (MPIEA) in Frankfurt, Germany, leading research within the Department of Neuroscience, specifically the Neural Circuits, Consciousness, and Cognition group. His work focuses on the neural basis of consciousness across species, with groundbreaking research on avian cognition. Dr. Nieder's research challenges the long-held assumption that a layered cerebral cortex is necessary for consciousness. Through innovative experiments with crows, his team has demonstrated that single-neuron activity in the avian endbrain correlates with perceptual awareness, providing empirical evidence for consciousness in brains with radically different architectures from mammals. This work suggests consciousness either evolved before the mammalian-avian split 320 million years ago or emerged independently in different evolutionary lineages. Cognitive Neuroscience Comparative Neuroscience Consciousness Studies Avian Cognition Neural Correlates of Perception Evolutionary Neurobiology His publication record reveals a consistent trajectory exploring how subjective experience emerges in non-mammalian brains. The research demonstrates sophisticated cognitive processing in birds, particularly corvids, with neural mechanisms that parallel mammalian consciousness despite vastly different brain structures. This work bridges neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and philosophy of mind, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of the biological requirements for conscious experience. Nieder's research program represents a paradigm shift in consciousness studies, demonstrating that the capacity for conscious awareness is not exclusive to mammals with layered cortices but can emerge in alternative neural architectures. His findings have profound implications for understanding the evolution of cognition and the minimal neural requirements for subjective experience across the animal kingdom.

Shane LeeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Deep Brain Stimulation
• Parkinson's Disease
• +1 more

Shane Lee is Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery (Research) at Brown University. His laboratory combines intraoperative neural recordings with computational modeling to develop improved neuromodulation therapies for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Research focuses on: Biomarker discovery for motor symptoms Closed-loop deep brain stimulation systems Neural mechanisms of tremor generation Quantitative assessment of movement disorders Lee develops novel tools including low-cost movement quantification systems and open-source platforms for imaging analysis in deep brain stimulation. His computational models bridge cellular mechanisms with clinical symptom expression.

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neural Networks
• Mathematical Modeling
• +3 more

Srdjan Ostojic is a CNRS Researcher at the Group for Neural Theory, École Normale Supérieure Paris, leading the Network Dynamics and Computations team within the LNC2 laboratory. His research focuses on understanding neural computations through mathematical modeling and analysis of neural activity recorded from behaving animals. Dr. Ostojic's academic journey includes a PhD from the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Amsterdam (2002-2006), followed by postdoctoral work at the Laboratory of Statistical Physics at École Normale Supérieure Paris (2006-2009) and a prestigious Marie-Curie fellowship at Columbia University (2009-2012). His research spans computational neuroscience with emphasis on neural dynamics, network modeling, and the relationship between connectivity patterns and computational function in the brain. He investigates how specific network architectures give rise to computational capabilities through mathematical analysis of recurrent neural networks and cortical dynamics. Dr. Ostojic's publication record reveals consistent contributions to understanding low-rank structures in neural networks, the geometry of population activity, and how network structure influences computation. His work frequently appears in top journals including Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, and Nature Communications, demonstrating significant impact in theoretical neuroscience. Marie-Curie fellowship recipient Active contributor to scientific community practices Regular participant in neuroscience conferences He actively mentors researchers through available internships, PhD, and postdoc positions, fostering the next generation of computational neuroscientists. His laboratory continues to investigate fundamental questions about how neural circuits implement computations through their structure and dynamics.

Uta NoppeneyView profile

Professor

• Human Neuroimaging
• Multisensory Perception
• Learning and Attention
• +3 more

Prof. Uta Noppeney is a Professor of Systems Neuroscience at Radboud University's Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. She leads research on multisensory perception, integrating behavioral studies with computational modeling (Bayesian, neural networks) and neuroimaging (fMRI, MEG, EEG). Her academic roles include Director of the Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics Centre (2012–2019) at the University of Birmingham, and Max Planck Research Group Leader (2005–2012). Current affiliations: Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Biophysics Department Previous: University of Birmingham (2011–2019), Max Planck Institute (2005–2012) Research focuses on how the brain integrates multisensory information for perception, learning, and decision-making. Key topics include perceptual inference, attentional modulation, and probabilistic computations. Her work combines Bayesian modeling with advanced neuroimaging techniques to study both healthy and clinical populations. Recent grants include an ERC Advanced Grant (2023) and Turing Fellowship (2018–2019). Her lab actively recruits MSc/PhD students and PostDocs interested in computational neuroscience and multisensory systems.

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• +3 more

Matthew Ainsworth is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford, affiliated with The Queen's College. He is part of the Brain & Behaviour Research Group, where his work focuses on understanding the cortical networks underlying perception, memory, and decision making. His research combines behavioral paradigms with advanced neuroimaging (fMRI) and electrophysiology techniques to study neural communication between brain regions such as the temporal and prefrontal cortices. His investigations often involve non-human primate models to explore functional connectivity and neural plasticity following cortical lesions. Key areas of interest include gamma-frequency oscillations, synaptic plasticity, and the role of frontopolar cortex in goal-directed cognition and counterfactual processing. Ainsworth’s work bridges cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, and neurophysiology, with applications ranging from basic science to translational research in neural rehabilitation. Recent studies highlight his exploration of how ambiguous social interactions modulate the social brain network’s functional connectivity and how low-beta transcranial magnetic stimulation impacts memory processes. His methodologies include innovative tools like the Virtual Electrode Recording Tool (VERTEX) for analyzing extracellular potentials in simulated and biological neural tissues.

• Vision Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Neuroanatomy
• +5 more

Professor Paul Martin of the University of Sydney serves at the Faculty of Medicine and Health , specifically within the Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health department. As a leading figure in Visual Neuroscience , his research at the Save Sight Institute investigates retinal structure/function and pathways for color, form, and motion processing. His work bridges evolutionary neurobiology and clinical applications, focusing on koniocellular ( blue-yellow ) and parvocellular ( red-green ) pathways. PhD in Physiology (University of Sydney, 1986) Director of Research at National Vision Research Institute of Australia (2003-2009) Professorial Research Fellow at University of Melbourne (2003-2009) His research interests include: Retinal neuroanatomy and synaptic connectivity Color vision pathways in primates Neural processing of visual threats Neurodegenerative eye diseases He employs techniques like immunohistochemistry , single-cell recording , and connectomic mapping . Key collaborations span: University of Pécs Medical School (Hungary) University of Washington (US) Vanderbilt University (US) Scientific contributions include over 100 publications and 20+ NHMRC/ARC grants (2000-2025), such as "Structural and functional evidence for glymphatics in human posterior eye" (2019) and "Propagating Neural Waves" (2015). His 2001 Nature paper on peripheral retinal chromatic sensitivity revolutionized understanding of primate vision.

David BrangView profile

Associate Professor

• Multisensory Integration
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Perception
• +3 more

David Brang is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, specializing in multisensory perception and cognitive neuroscience. His research focuses on how sensory systems interact and integrate in the brain, particularly investigating auditory, visual, and tactile processing in conditions like synesthesia and brain disorders. He leads the Multisensory Perception Lab, employing techniques such as fMRI, EEG, and ECoG to study neural mechanisms. Notably, his work uses electrophysiological recordings from clinical patients to understand tumor-induced neural circuit changes in glioma patients. Brang has been recognized for his contributions, including promotions acknowledged by the U-M Provost’s Neuroscience Scholars Committee. His research bridges clinical applications with fundamental neuroscience, addressing questions about sensory integration, brain plasticity, and disease impact. Education: Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience (not explicitly stated in text, inferred from role). Affiliations: Department of Psychology, University of Michigan; Multisensory Perception Lab. Research Interests: Multisensory integration, synesthesia, brain tumor neurophysiology, electrophysiological biomarkers, and neural circuit remodeling. His lab uses cutting-edge methods like ECoG to study real-time neural activity, contributing to understanding how tumors integrate into neural networks and affect cognition. Recent Focus: Investigating glioma-induced changes in neuronal networks, synaptic connectivity in brain tumors, and functional speech localization in patients. His work also explores how visual speech enhances auditory perception and the neural basis of crossmodal illusions.