|
|
Research Experience |
|
Barbour Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience and Neuroengineering
During undergrad, I worked as a research assistant in the Barbour Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience and Neuroengineering. My work involved the design and development mobile applications to aid in Cognitive Neuro-therapeutics, specifically auditory training.
A description directly from the website for the Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience and Neuroengineering:
A description directly from the website for the Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience and Neuroengineering:
Our research group is fundamentally interested in how the brain encodes and processes information. The vertebrate nervous system routinely achieves feats of pattern recognition unparalleled by modern computers. The natural algorithms underlying this pattern recognition and the neuronal circuitry computing them both represent targets for research in my lab, predominantly by measuring single and bulk neuron activity in awake subjects. We are particularly interested in how complex sounds are encoded in the brain when interfering noise is present and how language is processed.
In related work, we also seek to be able to manipulate brain function for therapeutic purposes. Following brain injury such as a stroke, some function is lost and the brain network is disrupted. We apply principles of system theory and neuroplasticity toward developing brain-computer interfaces that can rewire brains and thus recover the lost function. We also explore how noninvasive technologies can be employed to induce therapeutic changes in the brain. One example of this is a series of smartphone-based video games we have designed to deliver listening training. These games are intended to optimize listening skills with a hearing-assist device, such as a cochlear implant or hearing aid.
Cognitive training software provides exercises whose completion strengthens certain cognitive processes. We seek to develop listening training software in the form of compelling video games playable on smartphones that naturally encourage individuals to complete their auditory training. The goal of this work is to optimize the function of hearing assist devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, as well as to enable individuals with a newly correct hearing deficit to learn to communicate effectively.