Using Mathematics to Understand the Brain

October 23, 2016

Sharon-Crook [View Image] 

How does the brain work? What does it do? Mathematical models of neural processes form the basis of computational studies that aim to explain how the brain represents and processes information. These computational models are created with the goal of explaining observed data in order to obtain a better understanding of the dynamics of brain activity.

In this presentation, we will look at a few examples of how such models help us understand the function of the nervous system. We also will consider a few of the grand challenges in neuroscience that will require interdisciplinary approaches that bring together experimental neuroscientists, mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists.

Biography: Dr. Crook earned her PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of  Maryland at College Park and performed her dissertation research at the Mathematical  Research Branch at the National Institutes of Health. She completed her postdoctoral  research training at the Center for Computational Biology at Montana State University.  Currently, Dr. Crook holds a joint appointment between the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University.