Computational Neuroscience, a relatively recent discipline within the broader field of neuroscience, has emerged as crucially important for furthering our understanding of brain function and translating this knowledge into technological applications.
Boston University faculty have made many foundational contributions to computational neuroscience, and BU currently has one of the largest and most varied computational neuroscience faculties in the world.
Computational Neuroscience Curriculum & Advisory Committee: our computational specialization is managed by a unique team of leading neuroscientists (Uri Eden, Marc Howard, Nancy Kopell, Mark Kramer, Sam Ling, David Somers, Emily Stephen (Chair), and Arash Yazdanbakhsh) that work closely with the GPN Director to update and expand BU CompNeuro opportunities for our students.
Topics of study include neural network modeling, neural dynamics, sensory, motor, and cognitive modeling, statistical modeling, sensory prosthesis, brain-machine interfaces, neuroinformatics, neuromorphic engineering, and robotics. Coursework is chosen from the wide array of computational and neuroscience courses offered by the many departments and programs of the main Boston University campus and the BU School of Medicine. Students pursue their thesis interests in laboratories across the University and have the opportunity to combine hands on experimental research with highly sophisticated computational analysis.
BU CompNeuro Faculty
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David Boas Neuro-photonics, biomedical optics, neuro-vascular coupling | ![]() |
Nancy Kopell Neural dynamics; rhythmic behavior in neural networks |
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Chandramouli Chandrasekaran Electrophysiology, analytical techniques, brain computer interface and computational modeling to study the neural basis of goal-directed behavior | ![]() |
Sam Ling Visual processing, attention, learning and awareness |
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Rachel Denison Behavioral Measurements (Psychophysics, Eye Tracking), Neural Measurements (FMRI, EEG/MEG), and computational modeling | ![]() |
Joe McGuire Neural representation of subjective value, decision making, weighing cost of individual effort |
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Brian Depasquale Artificial and biological intelligence, machine learning | ![]() |
Gabriel Ocker Theoretical neuroscience, studying structure-function relations in neuronal network models |
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Michael Economo Neural circuits distributed across the brain that control movement | ![]() |
Tyler Perrachione Developmental disorders of language, social auditory perception, brain bases of complex auditory processing(including speech and voice perception) |
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Uri Eden Mathematical and statistical modeling of neural spiking activity | ![]() |
Kamal Sen Neural coding of natural sounds; hierarchical auditory processing |
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Jeff Gavornik Cortical circuits, synaptic plasticity as the basis of learning and memory, the neural representation and processing of time | ![]() |
David Somers Visual perception and cognition; neuroimaging; neural modeling |
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Frank Guenther Speech neuroscience; neural prosthesis; neuroimaging | ![]() |
Emily P. Stephen Statistical Neuroscience |
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Xue Han Neurotechnology, optogenetics, neural prosthetics | ![]() |
Cara Stepp Sensorimotor function disorders |
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Michael Hasselmo Memory-guided behavior; role of oscillations in cortical function | ![]() |
Lucia Vaina Computational models of vision; neuroimaging |
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Marc Howard Cognition and neural representation of time and space | ![]() |
John White Information processing and cortical electrical activity; biomedical devices |
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Mark Kramer Neural dynamics; neural rhythms in normal and diseased brain | ![]() |
Arash Yazdanbakhsh Human vision and its modeling; human electrophysiology and psychophysics |
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Mark Kon Machine learning and bioinformatics; neural network theory |
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