Nathan Kutz's (Professor of Applied Mathematics and Adjunct Professor of
Electrical Engineering) computational neuroscience group in the applied math
department is looking for an interested electrical engineering student to
continue work on a circuit design project related to networks of interacting
neurons. The work is focused on using hardware rather than software to
perform difficult and time- intensive calculations. Using numerical
simulations to simulate large networks of neurons consumes a great deal of
computation time. By constructing circuits that obey the same models that we
use in running numerical simulations, we are able to simulate networks with
the computation time independent of network size. Essentially, our hardware
is performing the calculation in real-time. We have completed a prototype
for a simple linear model of a relatively small network and are looking to
expand this project to more complex models and much larger scales.
Applicants should be very comfortable with differential equations and MATLAB
and have a broad knowledge of circuit design and implementation. A basic
knowledge of neuroscience is helpful, but not necessary. We are looking for
someone to both build on what has been accomplished and take it in their
own direction.
Hourly pay can be made available for the project. Potentially a senior
capstone could also results as a consequence of the research agenda.
For more information, please contact Prof. Kutz, kutz@amath.washington.edu
