The Handy Lab

I'm currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota. 

Broadly, my work focuses on developing new mathematical techniques to be used with state-of-the-art experimental protocols in order to advance our understanding of biological systems, while advancing the field of applied mathematics. Specifically, I plan on exploring the ability of interneuron subpopulations (e.g., PV, SOM, VIP) and glial cells (e.g., astrocytes) to modulate the dynamics of cortical networks in different physiological contexts. 

During my research journey, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with amazing theoreticians, including Brent Doiron (University of Chicago), Alla Borisyuk (University of Utah), and Sean Lawley (University of Utah), as well as a number of experimentalists, including Hiroyuki Kato (University of North Carolina) and Hillel Adesnik (UC Berkeley). 

**My lab is currently hiring!** 

With funding available for postdocs, graduate students and undergraduate students. 

Prospective postdocs: 

• To apply specifically to my lab, email me an updated CV/Resume.

• UMN's mathematics department usually has departmental postdoc positions that are advertised on mathjobs.org, which allow a little for a little bit more flexibility with regards to research directions (with the tradeoff of a heavier teaching load). Reach out to me if you are interested in that position and your research leans in the direction of mathematical biology.

Graduate students: 

• First step is to apply to a graduate program at the University of Minnesota. Since my research is interdisciplinary, I am affiliated with programs across campus (Mathematics PhD Program, Biomedical Engineering PhD Program), so choose the program that you believe that is best aligned with your research and career interests.

  • During/after your application process, feel free to send me your CV and other application material (e.g., your personal statement). 

• Current funding in my lab is available for broad topics in theoretical neuroscience, but I'm open to advising projects applicable to the field of mathematical biology.

Undergraduate students: 

• If you are a current undergraduate student at UMN and interested in anything from a paid research opportunity to a low stakes reading course covering mathematical biology topics, feel free to reach out via email or in-person. Please attached your CV and an unofficial transcript.

• I'm also available to advise senior thesis projects, etc. of your choosing, if there is a broad overlap in the fields of mathematical biology, machine learning, or data science.