Training in Computational Neural Engineering

Summary This proposal requests the renewal of a highly successful, innovative T32 training program in Computational Neural Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. The mission of the Computational Neuralengineering Training Program (CNTP) is to train the next generation of researchers at the intersection of computational neuroscience, data science, and clinical neurophysiology. The training program addresses the opportunities provided by the explosion of tools for measurement and manipulation of nervous system function, the challenges posed by the growing threat of neurological diseases and disorders on an expanding senior population, and the emerging Neurotechnology industry. The success of the CNTP has played a major role in catalyzing rapid and recent growth in research and education in Computational Neural Engineering across Emory and Georgia Tech. The first cycle of this funded program from 2019-2024 has catalyzed a student-centric community and significantly enhanced the momentum of the larger Neuralengineering effort across Georgia Tech and Emory University, resulting in numerous faculty hires, expansion of graduate (and undergraduate) communities, and a place in the central strategic planning at both universities. Starting modestly with 4 trainees in 2019, the program has grown and expanded to over 40 trainees, and 40+ training faculty, with a range of activities and opportunities that otherwise would not exist. The training program provides trainees with unique opportunities to catalyze new collaborative research through research rotations, coursework in neural engineering, computational approaches, and clinical perspectives, and as well as interactions with our community through seminars, journal clubs, industrial partners, and external visitors. Further, professional development and communications skills are integral to all training elements. Given the success of the first cycle of the program, plans are underway to expand the program in several ways, including the cohort of trainees with additional support from NIH and GT/Emory, the leadership involvement of newly promoted junior faculty, and growth and nurturing of student-centric training activities. Collectively, the CNTP has catalyzed the community here at GT and Emory and is the heart of Neural Engineering in Atlanta.