Background
Functional MRI neurofeedback (NF) offers promising clinical benefits for patients suffering from chronic subjective tinnitus (Gninenko et al., 2024). To better understand the relationship between targeted auditory downregulation in the brain using fMRI NF, brain networks involved in fMRI NF itself, and how volitional control over the auditory cortex can be achieved, the co-activation pattern analysis (CAPs) method (e.g., Bolton et al., 2020) can be used to delineate functional brain networks of interest and their interactions during the downregulation task. This approach may inform future fMRI NF interventions for chronic tinnitus.
Project description
This project involves ‘big’ fMRI data and is highly computational. The student will learn about CAPs and tinnitus neuroscience. High organizational and computational (data handling) skills are desired. The project builds up on previous research and the student may be involved in the publication of results, if interested.
Requirements
- Interest in tinnitus and auditory neuroscience, fMRI
- Strong command of MATLAB, preferably with demonstrated previous projects (python could be used but previous code is in MATLAB)
- Ideally at least 1 day per week in Geneva (Campus Biotech); remote working possible but not preferred
Please contact nicolas.gninenko@epfl.ch with your CV & short statement of interests (in the email) and I’ll get back to you. Ideal starting date: Feb 2025.