Dr. Brian Wandell

Professor

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Biography

Brian Wandell is the Isaac Madeline Stein Family Professor at Stanford University, holding courtesy appointments in the Departments of Electrical Engineering, Ophthalmology, and the Graduate School of Education. He founded the Stanford Center for Cognitive Neurobiological Imaging and directed it from 2010 to 2023. Initially launched in 2008, the lab has advanced research in vision science, focusing on visual disorders, reading development in children, and digital imaging techniques including algorithms for magnetic resonance imaging. His work incorporates behavioral testing and quantitative MRI to explore the brain's visual processing regions. The lab specializes in understanding the organization of visual field maps, color and motion processing, and the potential reorganization of cortical circuitry due to injury or development. Additionally, Wandell has contributed to the commercial sector, co-founding companies that develop image analysis software and applications for various industries including medical imaging and artificial intelligence. He has been involved in creating tools for analyzing MRI data and assessing camera performance across multiple applications. Wandell's notable honors include the Proctor Medal and George Miller Prize, and he has contributed significantly to both academic literature and practical advancements in neuroimaging and visual neuroscience.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2000-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Professor in the Department of Psychology with additional courtesy appointments.

Director

2010-01-01 — 2023-01-01

Stanford Center for Cognitive Neurobiological Imaging • Stanford, California

Founded and directed the center from 2010 to 2023.

Deputy Director

2013-01-01 — 2021-01-01

Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute • Stanford, California

Served as Deputy Director overseeing neuroscientific research programs.

Awards

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Proctor Medal

2021-01-01
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George Miller Prize

2016-01-01
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Oberdorfer Award

2012-01-01
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Elected Member

2011-01-01
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Electronic Imaging Scientist of the Year

2007-01-01
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Elected Member

2003-01-01
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Macbeth Prize

2000-01-01
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Edridge-Green Medal

1997-01-01
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Senior Investigator

1997-01-01
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Fellow

1990-01-01
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Troland Research Award

1986-01-01

Courses

PSYCH 204A PSYCH 221 SYMSYS 195I EE 292E NEPR 299 NEPR 399 PSYCH 275 PSYCH 276 PSYCH 299 SYMSYS 290 PSYCH 281 PSYCH 194 PSYCH 195

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.