Summer Workshop


The Multimodal Neuroimaging Training Program, coordinated by the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, is hosting its second year 6-week summer workshop, which will provide training in multiple imaging modalities, including structural MRI, functional MRI, PET, MEG/EEG, and optical imaging. Our approach will be to focus training scientists who have experience with one imaging modality, and would like to integrate multiple imaging modalities in order to address neuroscience questions. Suitable participants for this training program are senior graduate students, medical students, post-doctoral fellows, and independent researchers. Furthermore, candidates must have knowledge of brain structure and function and have previous experience with at least one imaging modality. By taking participants that have a background in one modality, we can cross-train in another modality.

Participants will learn the principles of multiple imaging modalities, and receive hands-on experience on how to acquire, process, and interpret imaging data, specifically:

• Basic lectures and imaging laboratory tours will allow participants to understand the importance of multiple complementary imaging modalities and to learn the basic principles and required instrumentation for the five different imaging modalities.
  
  
• To gain further research experience, participants will spend four weeks in one imaging faculty's laboratory performing a summer research project. The choice of laboratory will be determined by the Steering Committee by considering the trainees' desire, background, and the number of trainees in a given laboratory. This training will include data acquisition, data processing, visualization, and interpretation. Thus, the participant will become familiar with the entire process of one imaging modality from data acquisition to interpretation.
  
  
• To demonstrate the synergy of multimodal neuroimaging, we will host a symposium focusing on brain development.
  

Participation in the summer workshop is made by completing an application and submitting it to (MNTP@pitt.edu). The application must be accompanied by a copy of your CV and a brief (2 page) essay describing your neuroimaging experience, interest and goals in participating in the workshop. Participants in this workshop will receive an allowance of $2,500 to cover meals and other education-related expenses and will be provided with housing in a double-occupancy dormitory on campus. They will also receive funds to help defray the cost of travel and other related expenses. Please note that funding is limited to 14 recipients'.

Application deadline is February 29, 2008.