Computational Neuro-Rehabilitation Laboratory

University of Southern California

PI Nicolas Schweighofer             

 

Dear Students, 

 

I am looking for an outstanding and motivated student in Computational or Cognitive Neuroscience interested in pursuing a PhD in “Personalizing Motor Learning”. The PhD, which can be in either Neuroscience, Computer Science, or Biomedical Engineering at USC, will start in Fall 2023 and will be funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, with a yearly stipend around $35,000-38,000/year.  

 

This project aims to develop and test an algorithm that improves human motor learning by customizing the practice schedule based on the learner’s unique attributes, data from other learners, and limits on the total amount of training. In future applications, the algorithm has the strong potential to improve learning in sports, technical training, and surgical technique training. This work is also relevant for treating motor symptoms in conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease. 

 

Note that both a strong interest in basic human neuroscience research and a solid math background are needed. The position will involve behavioral experiments in motor learning in addition to advanced neuro-computational and statistical modeling. Possible extensions to fMRI and clinical studies are possible. 

 

The Computational Neuro-Rehabilitation Laboratory lab provides an exciting highly multidisciplinary, stimulating, and international environment, with 12 members at this time (including 5 Ph.D. students and 3 MS students), with backgrounds in Neuroscience, Physical Therapy, and Engineering.   

 

If interested, please send a CV (with a list of relevant courses taken) and a motivation statement to Nicolas Schweighofer, schweigh@usc.edu

 

Nicolas Schweighofer, PhD

Associate Professor

Biokinesiology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer Science

University of Southern California, Los Angeles