One of modern science’s grand challenges is understanding how the human brain actually works 鈥� from cataloging millions of individual cells to figuring out how the circuitry that underlies our thoughts and actions decodes information.
By deconstructing these intricate processes, engineers can use the human brain to build everything from smarter computers to better speech recognition programs to artificial limbs that can “recognize” thoughts.
Some of the 91探花’s leading experts on this process 鈥� called “Reverse- Engineering the Brain” 鈥� will participate in a on Thursday March 19 in the . The 2 p.m. symposium, 3:45 p.m. panel discussion and 4:30 p.m. reception are open to the public but .
The event is part of the ‘s (NAE’s) 2015 Regional Meeting
“We are honored to host the NAE Regional Meeting at the UW,” said , Frank & Julie Jungers Dean of Engineering. “Reverse engineering the brain is one of the NAE鈥檚 14 ‘‘ where the college and university is strategically focused. This symposium will highlight the UW鈥檚 extraordinary research and partnerships in this area as we strive to fully realize the brain鈥檚 potential.鈥�
The include , a sensor systems expert and 91探花associate professor of computer science and engineering and electrical engineering who is working on brain implants; , associate professor of physiology and biophysics who focuses on memory-impairing diseases, and , an assistant investigator in the neural coding department of the .
Da Costa, who leads efforts there to map the wiring of the mouse brain neocortex, will be joined by panelists , director of the who has demonstrated , and , an associate professor in physiology and biophysics who works to better understand nervous system and information processing.
Reverse-engineering the brain is one of the NAE’s 鈥� along with making solar energy economical, restoring urban infrastructure, and providing access to clean drinking water 鈥� that aim to solve the most pressing problems of our time. They were selected by a panel of nationally recognized experts in engineering, national defense, international development, remote sensing, aeronautics and astronautics, and other disciplines.