Crossing disciplinary borders
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blue-sky thinkers are chosen for the fellowship program. Their propos-
als must illustrate how they will leverage and coalesce seemingly in-
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over a 3-year period. In fact, one of the unique aspects of the program
is that fellows are required to have two PIs as mentors, to inspire fresh,
synergistic collaborations between diverse groups.ìThere is a lot of conversation and communication between experimen-
tal, computational, and clinical groups,î says Currin, emphasizing that
his research would not be conceivable without this dialogue. The post-
doc, who is also an AI consultant and entrepreneur, is aiming to broaden
our understanding of how neurons work. He analyzes neuronal electri-
cal signals to better understand the mechanisms that cause epilepsy by
using spike sorting, a technique that helps him identify synchronous
activity in the brain. ìEpilepsy is characterized by highly synchronous
nerve cell activity, so we are looking to control the synchronicity of these
neurons,î he says.One of Currinís mentors is Gaia Novarino, a neurobiologist and transla-
tional neurogeneticist who investigates the molecular and physiologi-
cal cellular basis of brain disorders, especially autism spectrum disor-
ders and epilepsies. His other mentor is Tim Vogels, whose group builds
models and theories about the computational mechanics of learning,
computing, and executing thought. ìChris is using in vitro models of
human cells to study the electrical properties of cells and neurons,î
says Novarino. ìHe is purely theoretical. He is applying computational
techniques to understand the data we are acquiring from those in vitro
neuronal networks.î Currin meets with Novarino and Vogel frequently
as they pursue a shared research agenda. The mentorship plays a vital
role in building Currinís innovation and leadership capabilities. For ex-
ample, by having diverse mentors, he is exposed to different avenues
of communicating and problem-solving. ìThe mentorship process starts
with clarifying ways to communicate with each other,î says Novarino.
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language to explain goals and share possible solutions.î The fellow is
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step in the partnership.And as Novarino describes it, it is a win-win alliance: The postdoc gains
critical skills and leadership opportunities, and the mentors get a unique
chance to stretch their perspectives and delve into problem-solving in
new domains. ìI learn every day,î she says, ìfor example, how to usemathematical models or computational tools to analyze the data in an
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Then there are longer-term collaborations where the two PIs get to be
friends and colleagues; there is a shared responsibility and social life.îBr ̧cknerís ambitious research agenda is already exceeding expecta-
tions. Endeavoring to elucidate cellular decision-making processesói.e.,
how cells determine their fate to become certain tissuesóBr ̧ckner is
applying tools from information theory. ìThere are existing frameworks
with which to think about these embryos, and theories as to how to
make decisions given noisy input like mechanical and chemical infor-
mation,î he says. ìThe challenge is to draw on theories from information
processing and apply it to biological systems.îìThere are not many groups that are trying to do this work David is envi-
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are good at the technical aspects of modeling.î Itís a perfect marriage.Produced by the Science
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