Cross-disciplinary training in computational approaches to the neuroscience of audition and communication

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. The overall objective of this training program is to identify, motivate, and train the next generation of neuroscientists and neuroengineers in Computational Approaches to the Neuroscience of Audition and Communication (CANAC). This objective maps elegantly onto the 2023-2027 NIDCD Strategic Plan and its Theme Areas. In particular, this training program acts at the interface between (a) Theme 1’s Goals #1 and #2, which identify and characterize different cell populations in both peripheral and central regions and the neural circuits involved in sensory processing and (b) Theme 2’s Goal #3 to develop in silico (computer) models to enable insights into normal and disordered function. These Theme Areas require not only rigorous experimental manipulations but also sophisticated computational theory to understand the generated data and to make testable predictions for future science. As such, we propose to continue our T32 training program in order to train the next generation of scientists, who are grounded in the experimental neuroscience of auditory and communication systems and versed in theory and computation. A unique aspect of our training proposal is its integrative philosophy, which leverages a highly collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach to auditory and communication science fostered by faculty on the Penn campus: predoctoral students will master techniques from a variety of traditional fields to become independent investigators vested with skills in both experimental and computational neuroscience. Our program curriculum includes core and elective courses designed to achieve this breadth of knowledge. Fundamental to the goals of our program, all trainees receive cross-disciplinary training: each trainee will be formally co-mentored by two faculty members, one whose expertise is computational and another whose expertise is in the experimental neuroscience of auditory and communication systems. We have devised a sophisticated evaluation team to keep track of progress and outcomes, and plan a comprehensive training program, including coursework, a reading group, journal clubs, seminar series, and an annual retreat. Accepted trainees will receive two years of funding. We will instruct all trainees in the responsible conduct of research. Together, these activities comprise an integrative, cross-disciplinary training program that will develop a talented pool of trainees to become long- term leaders in the field of auditory and communication neuroscience.