Jane Wang

Postdoctoral Researcher

Bio

My background is in applied physics, computational neuroscience, and complex systems. During my Ph.D studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, I investigated networks in the brain. Specifically, I simulated hippocampal-neocortical memory systems with computational models and investigated reduced, in vitro neuronal networks of hippocampal cell cultures.

Presently, I am constructing and analyzing functional networks of fMRI brain activity acquired while children and adults perform reading, math, and memory tasks inside a scanner. These functional networks represent how well different areas of the brain synchronize and interact with each other over time. Through graph theoretical and statistical techniques, I am able to show that variability in these networks from person to person is related to their ability to perform these tasks and to their general development.

Education

• Ph. D. Applied Physics, University of Michigan (2010)
• M. Sc. Applied Physics, University of Michigan (2008)

Awards and Honors

• Rackham Pre-doctoral Fellowship, University of Michigan (2010)
• Molecular Biophysics Training Grant, NIH (2007)
• Honorable Mention, Graduate Research Fellowship, NSF (2006)
• Regents Rackham Fellowship, University of Michigan (2005)