Name: Michael Bender, PMP
Academic Status: PhD Candidate
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Current Research Project(s): Advanced signal processing and machine learning for deep brain stimulation data, integrating FEM modeling of the volume of tissue activated (VTA), tractography, and adaptive DBS paradigms in a dual-lead essential tremor study.
Personal Description: I am a PhD candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida, supported by the SEC Engineering Deans Graduate Fellowship and the Dean’s Research Award. My work focuses on developing advanced algorithms and machine learning models for analyzing deep brain stimulation data and neural signals, building on my prior experience managing multimillion-dollar projects as a project manager.
Name: Shuo-Yen Chueh
Academic Status: Ph.D. Student
Current Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Current Research Project(s): 2-photon microscope, calcium imaging, motor learning, and image process.
Personal Description: I am from Taiwan and currently a first-year PhD student. Besides the neuroscience research, I am also interested in playing guitar and volleyball. The most important thing is, I am a cat person.
Name: Nisrine Bakri
Academic Status: Ph.D. Student
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Current Research Project(s): Investigating deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients to understand its therapeutic short and long term optimization and impact along with exploring neural plasticity and learning mechanisms.
Personal Description: I have a diverse background in biology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. I enjoy combining these fields to better understand the brain and develop new technologies.
Name: Nicholas Rodriguez
Academic Status: Ph.D. Student
Current Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Current Research Project(s): Biologically plausible model of spatial navigation and a generative model to simulate local field potentials (LFPs) in essential tremor patients.
Personal Description: I graduated from the University of Florida with two bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and English as well as a minor in Japanese Studies. I then taught English abroad in Spain and Japan, after which I returned to the US to pursue a career in neuroscience. After a lot of self-study and coursework I was admitted into UF’s Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program and received the Dean’s Research Award. In my free time, I write movie reviews on Letterboxd, rock climb, and play the keyboard/concertina at local venues for two bands: one focused on Synthwave music and the other on the indie folk aesthetic.
Name: Sarah Davidson
Academic Status: Ph.D. Student
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Current Research Project(s): Mammalian quantum neurological processing.
Personal Description: I am interested in understanding the quantum/classical processing capabilities in the brain and how they relate to learning, disease, and neurological function. I am developing computational models of how synapses could leverage quantum mechanics to achieve learning and hope to start experimental validation by the end of the year.
Name: Isabella Fernandez
Academic Status: Undergraduate
Major: Health Sciences Major and Education Minor
Current Research Project(s): Analyzing calcium imaging data from head fixed behavioral tasks to identify neurons involved in learning and how these neurons adapt when the task is reversed.
Personal Description: I’m studying how hindlimb unloading in mice (used to simulate zero gravity conditions) affects muscle function and motor cortex plasticity. Using behavioral assays and two-photon imaging, we track how neural activity adapts with disuse over time. As a pre-health student passionate about neuroscience and rehabilitation, this work aligns with my broader interest in neural mechanisms underlying learning and adaptation.
Name: Lauren Goldman
Academic Status: Undergraduate
Major: Biotechnology
Current Research Project(s): Advanced signal processing for biomarker detection in adaptive deep brain stimulation paradigms.
Personal Description: I am currently a senior undergraduate student preparing to pursue a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. My research has focused on developing code that processes accelerometry data from patient sensors to quantify tremor severity. My work in this lab has broadened my knowledge of neuroscience and engineering, while also complementing my background in biotechnology.