Itia Favre-Bulle

Computational analysis of whole brain neuronal networks

Summary:

Understanding the brain and its neuronal networks is one of the greatest challenges in science. In our lab, we use the zebrafish model to elucidate key elements of this network. We image and record larval zebrafish neuronal activity over time, across the whole brain and in different environmental conditions. The results are analysed with a combination of computational methods such as clustering, regression and graph theory to make sense of the dynamical changes of the network in different conditions.

The data:

Complete datasets of whole brain activity have been and are currently being acquired by lab members to answer various questions in neuroscience. These datasets comprise videos of the recording of the neuronal activity in zebrafish brains undergoing environmental changes. These video recordings have been pre-processed so that the individual activity of all neurons have been extracted, along with their corresponding X,Y and Z positions in the brain.

The team:

The position is headed by ARC DECRA Fellow Dr Itia Favre-Bulle from both SMP and QBI with group members from various background including psychology, neuroscience, optical physics and computational biology. Our collaborative work focusses on the imaging of behaviour and brain activity of the zebrafish model. This work is challenging and rewarding, and best suited to researchers who value broad, interdisciplinary approaches to big questions in behavioural and neuroscience. Culturally, our lab values diversity, in all of its forms, and cultivates a mutually supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Expected learning outcomes and deliverables:

Students will gain:

• skills in coding,
• knowledge in neuronal network and brain states,
• skills in oral and writing presentations through reports and group meeting attendance,
• The opportunity to generate a publication from their research.

Student's background:

This project is open to applications from students with a background in coding (ideally Matlab but not necessary) and statistical analysis.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Itia Favre-Bulle

Further info: Please contact Dr Itia Favre-Bulle prior to submitting an application via email at: i.favrebulle@uq.edu.au.

Optogenetics and laser ablation in zebrafish

Summary:

Understanding the brain and its neuronal networks is one of the greatest challenges in science. In our lab, we use the zebrafish model to elucidate key elements of this network. In this project, we aim to reveal the short term effects (via Optogenetics) and long terms effects (via laser ablation) of the impairment of specific neurons in brain dynamics and behaviour. Using a zebrafish line that labels the noradrenergic neurons specifically (neurons responsible to the maintenance of attention), we aim to ablate or silence those neurons, record neuronal activity in the rest of the brain, and observe spontaneous behaviour. This honours project will involve behavioural experiment in zebrafish, brain imaging and image analysis.

The team:

The position is headed by ARC DECRA Fellow Dr Itia Favre-Bulle from both SMP and QBI with group members from various background including psychology, neuroscience, optical physics and computational biology. Our collaborative work focusses on the imaging of behaviour and brain activity of the zebrafish model. This work is challenging and rewarding, and best suited to researchers who value broad, interdisciplinary approaches to big questions in behavioural and neuroscience. Culturally, our lab values diversity, in all of its forms, and cultivates a mutually supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Expected learning outcomes and deliverables:

Students will gain:

• skills in imaging and laser manipulation (fluorescence, optogenetics and laser ablation),
• skills in coding
• knowledge in neuronal network and brain states,
• skills in oral and writing presentations through reports and group meeting attendance,
• the opportunity to generate a publication from their research.

Student's background:

This project is open to applications from students with a background in coding (ideally Matlab but not necessary) and statistical analysis.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Itia Favre-Bulle

Further info: Please contact Dr Itia Favre-Bulle prior to submitting an application via email at: i.favrebulle@uq.edu.au.