Plasticity of the visual system following vision loss
Susana Chung, Professor
Optometry
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
This research project focuses on the understanding of how the visual system responds to the onset of vision loss as a result of eye diseases. By understanding how the visual system responds to vision loss, our ultimate goal is to develop effective rehabilitative strategies to help people with vision loss see and function better.
In this project, we will use custom-written software interfaced with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) to present visual stimuli at specific locations on the retina. The SLO allows us to image and record the retinal fundus at 60 Hz, and to compensate for large eye movements. When combined with psychophysical methods, we are able to measure behavioral performance at specific retinal locations. Data analyses involve the application of various image processing techniques to analyze the digital video files of the retinal pictures.
Role: The undergraduate research apprentices are expected to assist in setting up the experiments (involving programming), subject testing and data analyses. We expect the undergraduate research apprentices would develop skills and experience in conducting psychophysical experiments and retinal imaging, analyzing eye movement data, and in computational image analyses.
Qualifications: Proficiency in computer programming, especially Matlab and/or C++, and knowledge in image processing is highly desirable. We are seeking individuals who enjoy interacting with people, have patience, careful and detail-oriented. This position is ideal for undergraduate students majoring in disciplines such as computer science or bioengineering who are interested in applying their technical skills to medical research.
PLEASE NOTE:
There is no need to email the PI or anyone in the lab before you submit your application. Any information (e.g. resume) that you would like us to consider should be submitted via the URAP portal. If you have any questions about the position, you will have the questions answered if you are selected for interviews. For fairness reasons, we will only consider materials submitted via the URAP portal, and we may not have the time to answer emails.
Please note that we need students to be able to come in the lab for this project, remote is not feasible.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences Education, Cognition & Psychology