معرفی
Dr. Ilenna Jones is a Research Fellow at the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University. She received her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023 under Konrad Kording's supervision and her BA in Neuroscience from Dartmouth College in 2015. Her research focuses on the computational capabilities of biological neurons, particularly exploring how dendritic properties enable complex neural computation.
Her educational background includes:
- PhD in Neuroscience, 2023, University of Pennsylvania
- BA in Neuroscience, 2015, Dartmouth College
Dr. Jones' research program investigates neuronal biophysics and computation, with specific emphasis on dendritic processing, neuron model optimization, and neuro-inspired artificial intelligence. She applies supervised learning tools and deep learning methods to understand how neural computation emerges from dendritic properties. Her work bridges biological neuroscience with artificial intelligence development, seeking fundamental principles that can inform both fields.
Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory focused on optimizing biophysically detailed neuron models and understanding how dendritic structures contribute to computational capabilities. This research has significant implications for developing more efficient and biologically plausible artificial neural networks that could overcome current limitations in energy consumption and robustness.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Award for Persistent Involvement in Community And Leadership (APICAL) from the UPenn Neuroscience Graduate Group (2024)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Gilliam Graduate Fellowship (2020)
Dr. Jones actively contributes to community building through the 'Lunch and Learn' series at the Kempner Institute, which creates space for Harvard students and trainees to explore advanced topics in machine learning and neuroscience. She's deeply involved with the Computational Neuroscience Imbizo summer school in Cape Town, supporting diversity initiatives in computational neuroscience. Her commitment to equity in academia is evident through her engagement with Black In Neuro and other organizations promoting inclusion. Currently preparing for the academic job market, Dr. Jones continues to present her research internationally at venues including COSYNE, CCN, and Janelia Research Campus, while maintaining an active science communication presence on social media.
