Neural, Computational, and Neuromechanical Approaches to Motor Control

ABSTRACT Research and training on motor control at UChicago have a unique history of combining neurobiology and neuromechanics research with computational approaches. In the past few years, the University has significantly expanded its neuroscience community with the establishment of the new Neuroscience Institute. The significant investments have created exciting new opportunities for research and training in the area of motor control and movement and related disorders, especially in addressing questions by integrating experimental and computational approaches. Our training program will take advantage of the existing breadth and depth of motor control and movement research on campus. We have 15 Trainers whose research is focused on motor control and movement, covering a broad range from genetic, molecular and cellular studies to circuit, systems, biomechanics and computational approaches. Our research interests have a broad anatomic scope, from neuromuscular junction and spinal cord to cerebellum, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. We employ a broad range of model organisms including invertebrates, insects, zebrafish and mice to non-human primates and human subjects. In evaluating candidates for the Training Program, a criterion will be their demonstrated interest in bridging experimental and computational work as an element of their dissertations. Trainees will complete the following Program Elements. 1. The “Experimental Design in Motor Control Research” course. 2. One or two rotations that broaden exposure to approaches. 3. Annual problem-solving workshop. 4. Journal club that emphasizes statistical methods. With the activities, we will bring together faculty and students whose work is mainly experimental and those whose work is computational. We will explore as a community how fundamental questions in motor control can be addressed at a range of levels of approach. In addition to the trainees supported by the T32, we will add Associate Members so that any trainee who is working on motor control research or is interested in motor control research could participate in T32 sponsored activities. All trainees will gain key skills in statistics methods. Writing and presentation skills will be emphasized throughout the training. Faculty in our Training Program have primary appointments in five departments (Neurology, Neurobiology, Organismal Biology and Anatomy, Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Anesthesia and Critical Care), and appointments in one or more than one of the five participating Graduate Programs (Neurobiology; Computational Neuroscience; Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology; Integrative Biology; Medical Scientist Training Program). We propose to support 6 predoctoral trainees (starting with 3 slots in year 1). Students will be supported for 2 years during years 3 and 4 of their graduate training. We will appoint 3 new trainees every year.