To expand my knowledge of brain–computer interfaces in particular, and neurotechnology in general, I decided to undertake a Ph.D. in neuroscience and neurophysiology. During my Ph.D. studies I participated in graduate programs on computational neuroscience, neurotechnology and brain disease in Germany, and in a collaborative research project in Germany, France and Switzerland. The Ph.D. project gave me the opportunity to pursue a new area of research in the lab and develop experimental techniques, devices, and software.

Figure 1 | Experimental setup comprising acoustic and optogenetic stimulation of a freely moving mouse. Auditory electrophysiological responses recorded via a tiny wireless amplifier.

The data I collected led to surprising scientific insights on the interplay between neural inhibition and brain rhythms.

Figure 2 | Topic of the research project, namely neurons that inhibit excitatory neurons, and that influence gamma oscillations and auditory learning in the brain.

This experience was deeply revealing because it offered me hands-on neuroscience and engineering training, together with the chance of having a look at the big picture of neuroscience, or should I say the big unknown in neuroscience.

Scroll to the right below to see the main results of my research, as presented in my dissertation titled “Perisomatic Inhibition in Gamma Oscillations and Auditory Learning”.

To learn more, read my dissertation.