I didn’t start in code. I started in the wet lab, but the more I understood the components, the more I became obsessed with the computation.
Exploring…
- How much of biological learning is already encoded in cortical wiring?
- Can cortical circuit design improve artificial intelligence?
Timeline
System Initialization
Completed high school majoring in Natural Sciences. Cultivated early algorithmic logic by learning Python and building an Arduino-based automation system.
Parallel Compilation
Entered Ferdowsi University of Mashhad as a Cell and Molecular Biology major. Built a parallel self-taught curriculum by completing Harvard University’s Computer Science courses and online data science bootcamps. Also, sharpened teaching and language skills as an English language teacher.
Feature Extraction
Joined Dr. Fatemeh B. Rassouli’s cancer research lab, introducing machine learning and mixed-effects workflows to analyze anticancer compound efficacy, yielding two peer-reviewed publications ‹a, b›. Also, deepened mathematical foundations by completing graduate-level machine learning courses at Sharif University of Technology.
a. Joining up the scattered anticancer knowledge…
b. Illuminating new possibilities: Effects of copper oxide…
Manifolds & Cortical RNNs
Discovered the convergence of code and biology through Neuromatch Academy, quickly transitioning from student to teaching assistant. Initiated a two-year research collaboration with MIT N3HUB under Dr. Nima Dehghani. Mapped low-dimensional neural sleep state manifolds using CEBRA and utilized MICrONS connectomics data to build anatomically and functionally constrained bio-inspired RNNs, presenting abstracts at major conferences ‹c, d› and co-authoring a preprint on arXiv ‹e›. Also, graduated top of the class with a direct MSc offer. Admitted to Tarbiat Modares University’s Biophysics program.
c. 34th Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting…
d. Anatomically and Functionally Constrained…
e. Harnessing cortical geometry, wiring, and function…
Continual Learning
Started MSc research at the Université de Montréal. Bridging functional connectomics and AI within the Systems Neuroscience and AI Lab under the supervision of Dr. Shahab Bakhtiari. Studying continual learning in neuromorphic architectures.