MNTP Program

Multi-Modal Neuroimaging Training Program (MNTP)

 

The Multimodal Neuroimaging Training Program (MNTP), funded by NIH, is a new graduate program within the existing Center for Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC), a joint program of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University to teach the critical knowledge of neuroimaging research. The program will aim to ensure: 1) Students from all participating disciplines receive basic neuroscience training for integrative neuroimaging research; 2) Students understand underlying principles, modeling, and applications of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), and optical imaging; and 3) Students integrate multiple methods and carry out multimodal neuroimaging projects.

All trainees in the neuroimaging training program will be part of the CNBC training program. All of the PhD programs affiliated with the CNBC have strong programs of research training, coupled with requisite research methods courses and substantive courses in relevant scientific content, and required teaching apprenticeships. To teach the critical knowledge of neuroimaging research, training will be emphasized in multiple imaging modalities, including neuroimaging courses, laboratory rotations, and individually-tailored research plans.

 

Specific Requirements:

  • Core curriculum will ensure training in basic neuroscience, and advanced neuroimaging techniques and underlying principles, details can be found on the CNBC website, (http://www.cnbc.cmu.edu). In addition, one neuroimaging course is required. Preferable course is "Neuroimaging. Principles of Multimodal Neuroimaging" (Pitt BioE 2600), which will teach principles and application of multi-modal neuroimaging methods and teach principles of PET, MEG/EEG and Optics. Potential alternative courses (with the approval from MNTP Steering Committee) are Topics in Cognitive Psychology: Functional fMRI (Pitt PSY2476), Laboratory on fMRI Data Acquisition and Analysis (Pitt PSY2477), Computational Analyses of Brain Imaging (CMU, PSY85-735 and CALD 10-731), Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Neuroscience (CMU Biology 03-315 and 03-815), Methods in Image Analysis (Pitt BIOE 2630), Bioimaging (CMU, BME 42-431/18-496) and Advanced Bioimaging (CMU, BME 42-731/18-795), and Biological Imaging and Fluorescence Spectroscopy (CMU, Biology 03-534).
  • Lab rotation in neuroimaging laboratories outside the area of prior specialization and beyond current rotation will be required. Laboratory rotation will allow hands-on research experiences in multimodal imaging and its application. Trainees will rotate through three different laboratories selected by students to meet their research interests. These research rotations provide an ample opportunity to experience individual laboratory environments, including the imaging modalities being used in the laboratory and the research questions being addressed. These experiences also help students make an informed choice of a dissertation mentor, and allow in-depth understanding of neuroimaging research.
  • Trainees will form their mentoring committee consisting of imaging and neuroscience faculty during the fellowship period. The mentoring committee will ensure trainees learn multimodal neuroimaging modality from underlying principles to applications. Using the multimodal training, it is expected that trainees will select their PhD work integrating multiple neuroimaging modalities.
  • Trainees will participate in the CNBC annual retreat, student-run colloquium series, student research presentation series, Friday Seminar Series, and will take survival skills and ethics workshops. Details can be found on the CNBC website.
  • Students must attend the first week introductory lectures of the MNTP Summer Workshop, the Symposium and present their research work at the External Advisory meeting.
  • Students must submit a CV, 2-page outline of their proposed research project using multiple modalities and a list of their mentoring committee to the MNTP Steering Committee.

Students interested in the MNTP are encouraged to contact Seong-Gi Kim, University of Pittsburgh or William Eddy, Carnegie Mellon University at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss the possibilities. To complete an application, click here: MNTP Application.

 
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