TSVP Talk: "Modeling Networks Reveals How Neural Connectivity Transforms Space Into Time" by Dr. Merav Stern

This talk is held on Friday, August 5 at 10 am instead of the usual Thursday timeslot.

Dr. Merav Stern is visiting OIST from 2022/07/18 until 2022/08/14 through the "Theoretical Sciences Visiting Program" (TSVP). Find out more about the TSVP in this news article or the program website.
This seminar intended for a general audience and the research will be presented in an accessible manner. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to ask questions after the talk. Guests from outside OIST can join via Zoom.

Title: Modeling Networks Reveals How Neural Connectivity Transforms Space Into Time

Abstract: The connectivity structure of many biological systems, including neural circuits, is highly non-uniform. Recent technologies allow detailed mapping of these irregularities. But our understanding of the contribution of each such irregular connectivity component to the overall circuitry dynamics, is still lacking. By developing complex system analytical tools, which perform astute reduction of the network, I detect the impact of each connectivity component. I will demonstrate the use of these tools on examples, including clustering, a ubiquitous non-uniform structure in our brains. I will show how clusters are able to transform spatial properties into timing mechanisms and vice versa.

Profile: Merav Stern is a theoretical neuroscientist. Her research unveils the relationships between neural activity and connectivity, in both biological and artificial neural networks by improving the tools for studying non-linear dynamical system. She completed her PhD with honors at the Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation at Hebrew University while collaborating with Columbia University’s Center for Theoretical Neuroscience. She won the Zuckerman leadership scholarship and worked at the Swartz Theory Center at the University of Washington. She is currently a postdoc at the Hebrew University, collaborating with the University of Oregon.

Language: English, no interpretation.

Target audience: General audience / everyone at OIST and beyond.
Freely accessible to all OIST members and guests without registration.

This talk will also be broadcast online via Zoom:

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Meeting ID: 964 3357 3748
Passcode: 048459