Dr. Scott Pluta

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Scott Pluta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University. He focuses on elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception, sensory-guided behavior, and sensorimotor loops. His research employs cutting-edge optogenetic, neurophysiological, and behavioral tools to probe functional connectivity in neural circuits related to sensation and action. Pluta completed his postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley from 2012 to 2017, and previously worked at Wake Forest Medical Center from 2009 to 2012. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 2009. His lab investigates the interactions between sensory perception and motor action, particularly how the midbrain superior colliculus integrates sensory and motivational information to guide active sensing processes. Through his research, he aims to provide insights into the neural mechanisms that underlie goal-directed behaviors and inform treatments for neurological disorders such as ADHD and Parkinson’s disease.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

Researching neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception and behavior.

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.