2016 Seed Grant Projects

The inaugural round of BBI seed grants address such matters as the effect of age on speech recognition for cochlear implant users, the development of a light-based tool for detecting schizophrenia via the retina, the new application of vesicle technology to study the neural workings of social behavior, the design of an ultrafast 3D imaging technique to examine behavior by imaging populations of neurons, and the development of a novel tool—the spin-torque nano-oscillator—to non-invasively report single action potentials from a neuron. During this first year, five projects were funded out of 13 proposals, with 50 investigators representing 25 disciplines across campus.

Understanding the effect of age and duration of deafness on speech recognition in Cochlear Implant users

  • Samira Anderson, Matthew Goupell, Katrina MacLeod

Cochlear implants (CI) do not work equally well for all individuals; in order them to be maximally effective, they should account for the patient’s age and hearing history. This project develops an individualized approach to link the electrodes of a CI interface with the surviving neurons of the auditory nerve.

Development of an ultra-fast 2 photon microscope by beam multiplexing: GRID Imaging

  • Patrick Kanold, Ramani Duraiswami, Nail Gumerov, Wolfgang Losert

This project uses spatial light modulator-shaped light fields as an approach for measuring and triggering of small populations of neurons in order to understand and control how the brain processes sensory information.

The retina as a novel biomarker for schizophrenia

  • Joshua Singer, Bongtae Han, Elizabeth Quinlan

This project assesses a full range of retinal functions to identify those that are most predictive, prognostic, or linearly correlated with the emergence of schizophrenia by developing a novel visual stimulation apparatus.

Wireless Measurement of Neuronal Currents Using Spin-Torque Nano-Oscillators

  • Edo Waks, Benjamin Shapiro, Ricardo Araneda, Jens Herberholz

This project uses injectable nanoscale spintronic devices as a noninvasive way to measure weak electrical signals in the brain and render them detectable wirelessly outside the body.

A novel use of catanioinic vesicles to modulate nervous system function and behavior

  • Philip DeShong, Erica Glasper, Jens Herberholz, Farrah Madison 

This project applies an innovative new technology—the use of catanionic vesicles to transfer specific neuromodulators—in order to gain a better understanding of the neural workings underlying social behavior.


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