[visionlist] PhD opportunities in computational neuroscience at Penn: CNI and CANAC

[Geffen, Maria]

The University of Pennsylvania is home to a dynamic, interdisciplinary community of intellectually adventurous researchers studying the brain using computational, theoretical, and experimental approaches. The Computational Neuroscience Initiative (CNI) offers a Graduate Certificate in Computational Neuroscience for PhD students in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Psychology, and Physics. The certificate provides training in theoretical models, neuronal and behavioral data analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, and related computational methods. Trainees participate in coursework, lab rotations, seminars, journal clubs, workshops, and a research-based capstone experience.

Learn more about CNI: https://cni.upenn.edu/education

You can find a (non-exhaustive) list of CNI-affiliated faculty here: https://cni.upenn.edu/people . Additionally, Penn Mindcore brings together researchers across many disciplines for the integrative study of the mind: https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/people/mindcore-faculty-and-associates/

Additionally, if you’re interested specifically in computation in the audition and communication, the Computational Approaches to the Neuroscience of Audition and Communication (CANAC) program is an NIH-funded training program for students interested in the neuroscience of hearing, audition, speech, and communication. CANAC combines experimental and theoretical training through a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment. Trainees are co-mentored by computational and experimental faculty, with opportunities for clinical and translational perspectives. Accepted trainees receive two years of funding for PhD thesis research, as well as individualized advising on training and career development.

Learn more about CANAC: https://www.med.upenn.edu/canac/

Students interested in these programs or more generally in pursuing PhD research in computational and systems neuroscience must first apply to the graduate program that best matches their interests:

  *   Neuroscience Graduate Group (NGG), Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS)
Program information and application<https://www.med.upenn.edu/ngg/admissions/>
Deadline: December 1, 2026

  *   Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)
Program information<https://be.engineering.upenn.edu/academics/doctoral/> · SEAS application portal<https://gradadm.engineering.upenn.edu/>
Deadline: December 15, 2026

  *   Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)
Program information and application<https://psychology.sas.upenn.edu/graduate/information-applicants>
Deadline: December 8, 2026

  *   Physics, School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)
Graduate program information<https://www.physics.upenn.edu/graduate/> · Physics graduate admissions<https://www.physics.upenn.edu/graduate/admissions/>
Deadline: December 8, 2026

Admissions are handled separately by each graduate program, so applicants should apply directly to the program that best fits their background and goals. Penn’s graduate programs are highly interdisciplinary, and students can pursue research across departmental and school boundaries.

Applicants should identify relevant Penn faculty and programs in their application and describe their interests in computational, theoretical, experimental, auditory, systems, or cognitive neuroscience. We encourage students from diverse quantitative and scientific backgrounds to consider Penn for graduate study.

Please check each program’s admissions page for any updates to deadlines, requirements, and application procedures.



________________________________
Maria Neimark Geffen, Ph.D.  (she/her)
Professor
Co-director, Penn Computational Neuroscience Initiative
Departments of Otorhinolaryngology: HNS (primary), Neuroscience and Neurology
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
5 Ravdin
3400 Spruce St.
Philadelphia PA 19104
Tel.: 215.898.0782
My zoom<https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/my/mgeffen?pwd=eWVFbUJFUGRJZ3g1eU9YZEZic2VwZz09>
My booking page<https://calendar.app.google/upBGPWmGeHX5HtPc7>
mgeffen at pennmedicine.upenn.edu<mailto:mgeffen at pennmedicine.upenn.edu>
http://hosting.med.upenn.edu/hearing
https://bsky.app/profile/geffenlab.bsky.social
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-geffen-bb6098380/
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