Nanyin Zhang, Ph. D.
Pennsylvania State University
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Title: From neuron to behavior: investigating brain network function using multi-modal approach
Bio:Dr. Nanyin Zhang is Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. He received his PhD and post-doc trainings in the field of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) of the University of Minnesota. His work has been focused on neural engineering methods and applications. His lab has established a platform that integrates neuroimaging, electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and behavioral methods in rodent models. This platform provides multi-dimensional, multi-scale information in the same awake animals. These multi-modal approaches have significantly advanced the field in translational studies of animal models.
Abstract: The brain network organization is central to complex behavior and function. Although resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) provides a powerful tool to characterize brain network function, several intrinsic issues have limited its full potential. In this presentation I will discuss these issues and demonstrate that they can be partially solved by integrating rsfMRI with cutting-edge neurotechnology such as optogenetics/chemogenetics, electrophysiology and behavioral methods. as this systematic, multi-modal approach allows multi-scale, multi-dimensional information to be collected in the animal. More importantly, it permits precise modulation of brain network function, which makes it possible to drive causal relationships in brain network organization.
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