Dr. Aravinthan Samuel

Biography

Aravinthan Samuel is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Harvard University. His research interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience and computational biology, focusing on how animals compute and process their sensory information and behavior. Samuel's work employs model organisms such as the nematode C. elegans and fruit fly larvae to study neural representations and decision-making processes at the level of individual neurons. He utilizes advanced microscopy techniques and machine learning to analyze the complex neural circuits involved in behaviors like chemotaxis and thermotaxis. Through systematic analysis of motile behavior, he aims to infer neural algorithms that govern these processes, contributing to a broader understanding of biological principles across species. His research not only seeks to uncover the fundamental workings of neural systems but also strives to connect these findings to behavior in small, fascinating creatures, utilizing shared basic brain materials found in simpler organisms.

Research Interests