Systems & behavior neuro

[ruchik]

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Since there seem to be quite a few neuro cheerleaders in this forum I thought I would get your opinion on which MSTP schools have the most notable research in systems/behavior neuroscience, along with a stellar MD program? A particular emphasis on the visual system would be nice, but not required. Thanks in advance!

Ruchi

 

[Primate]

Hi,

Speaking from first hand experience, Penn has a truly fantastic systems neuro program, with specific expertise in visual systems (from perception to physiology to clinical). Though this wasn't my area of research during the PhD, I have many classmates and professorial friends in the area (besides, they make us learn it in the core classes, for better or worse 😉 ). The med school at Penn doesn't $uck, either. I'd seriously consider the place if these are your interests.

Also, from my interviews at Pitt way back when, I remember a strong systems program, but don't recall if it was linked to visual systems.

Hope this helps,
P

 

[TTSD]

Loma Linda used to have a good one.. but then I heard there was some huge in-fighting.. I'm not even sure they have a program there anymore.

But yes, I LOVE neuroscience as well. Both of my internships were attached to that field and boy did they suck down my grades to where the sun don't shine, but at least I'll get stellar LORs

Though also, it's one of the hardest as I'm sure you're aware of. Neuro does not quite go hand in hand with logic and some of the breakthroughs came through luck or quite literally, DREAMS. Hahaha, but best of luck to you!

 

[Vader]

UCSF has an excellent neuroscience program, including systems research, as well as a wonderful medical school. For visual system, look up Mike Stryker, Ken Miller, Steve Lisberger, Flip Sabes, Jonathan Horton. For other systems people, Mike Merzenich, Christoph Schreiner are good.

Check out the following link:
http://www.ucsf.edu/neurosc/

Good luck! 😀

 

[ducaliner2]

The MIT/HMS MSTP program is well known, and highly competitive to be accepted. Neuroscience research in Boston is great but scattered. You can do your PhD in a number of different labs between MIT & Harvard.

Visual cortical systems in macaque take a look at: David Hubel (HMS), Margaret Livingstone (HMS), Peter Schiller (MIT-BCS), and Clay Reid (HMS).

If you want visual systems with a memory emphasis/high level processing recommended PIs: Earl Miller (MIT-BCS/PCLM) and John Assad (HMS).

If you are interested in a developmental angle on visual cortex check out: Carla Shatz (HMS Neurobio), or Mriganka Sur (MIT-BCS/PCLM).

For genetics of learning and memory + behavior and systems neuroscience check out: Matthew Wilson & Susumu Tongegawa (MIT-BCS/Bio/PCLM).

I have to plug MIT neurosciences: they have received the largest two donations (totalling more than $250million) to any university in the country solely for the development of neuroscience. Two new buildings are being built side by side to house the new departments of the Picower Center for Learning and Memory (headed by Susumu Tonegawa) and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research (headed by Phil Sharp).

It was and will be a wonderful/cutting edge place to learn and work.

Good luck!

-Liner


MIT-BCS = MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences
MIT-Bio = MIT Biology
MIT-PCLM = MIT Picower Center for Learning and Memory
HMS = Harvard Medical.

 

[DarkChild]

UCSD... their med school isnt exactly top notch, but their computational neuroscience people are pretty amazing.