Program Overview

The overall goal of this training program is to identify, motivate, and train the next generation of neuroscientists in Computational Approaches to the Neuroscience of Audition and Communication (CANAC).

We want to develop the next-generation of scientists grounded in the experimental neuroscience of auditory and communication systems, while also being thoroughly trained and versed in theory and computation.

A unique aspect of this training proposal is its integrative philosophy which leverages a highly collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach to science fostered by faculty on the Penn campus: students will master techniques from diverse traditional fields to become independent investigators vested with skills in both computation and experimental neuroscience.

Accepted trainees will receive two years of funding for PhD-thesis work and individual advising on current training options, funding opportunities, and future career plans.

Students will receive cross-disciplinary training: they will be co-mentored by two faculty members, one whose expertise is computational and another whose expertise is in the experimental neuroscience of auditory and communication systems. Additionally, because of the direct translational and clinical importance of audition and communication, clinical faculty will also serve as members of the trainees’ thesis committees.