Awarded in 2020
Home Department: Bioengineering
Faculty Advisors: Thomas Clandinin (Neurobiology), Michael Lin (Neurobiology and Bioengineering), and Surya Ganguli (Applied Physics)

Research Title: Using Novel Imaging Tools to Dissect the Neuronal Mechanisms Underpinning Multisensory Integration

Research Description: Animals must frequently integrate sensory signals from multiple modalities in order to select appropriate behavioral responses, but the neuronal computations underlying such multisensory integration remain unclear. Alex proposes to unravel these mechanisms with the fruit fly model system, using a combination of behavioral assays as well as targeted voltage imaging to obtain a comprehensive understanding of multisensory integration from synapses to neuron ensembles. Alex’s project will link neural activities to sensory perception and behavioral action by integrating protein engineering with genetics in fruit fly models.