Cheng Ly
Postdoc with Brent Doiron.
NSF Mathematical
Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2007-2010).
University of Pittsburgh
139 University Place
Room: 301 Thackeray Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Office: 504 Thackeray Hall
Fax Number: (412) 624-8397
Teaching (Very interesting articles by S. Zucker [here] and M. Fried [here].)
Research: Stochastic Neuroscience.
My primary focus is on how
inherent variability or fluctuations in cellular networks alter the processing
of signals. This involves
developing numerical methods to solve probability density equations, large-scale
(Monte-Carlo) simulations, as well as applying mathematical techniques to
obtain a deeper understanding of such complicated stochastic systems. A variety of models are used as a
guide, but understanding the underlying biological complexity is where the
challenge lies. I have worked in a
variety of systems including: noisy oscillators, excitable stochastic networks,
detailed biophysical cellular modeling, encoding sensory signals at the
cortical systems level.
Projects:
· Investigating the dynamics (i.e., statistics) of the nonlinear response of cortical neurons and how they code stimuli, relying on reduced models that are analyzable to capture the phenomena. We focus on heterogeneity and non-equilibrium effects, which leads to difficult mathematical challenges.
· Investigating the dynamics of networks of noisy neural oscillators. In collaboration with Bard Ermentrout, we aim to derive analytic/closed-form solutions to vital quantities using perturbation theory and asymptotic methods that will lead to a better understanding of these ubiquitous systems.
Interests/Hobbies: Some weight-lifting, some running
(<10K), cooking, walking.
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