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Stephen Baccus is a Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University. His research focuses on extracting general principles of computation in neural circuits to explain specific retinal visual processes such as adaptation, contrast, and image statistics for detecting moving objects. His lab employs a versatile set of experimental and theoretical techniques, including projecting visual scenes onto a video monitor and using an extracellular multielectrode array to record a substantial fraction of output from a small patch of retina. Baccus simultaneously records intracellularly from retinal interneurons to monitor how single cells operate within the circuit. His team also measures the activity of populations of interneurons and output neurons and records visual responses optically through two-photon imaging while utilizing a multielectrode array for simultaneous recording. Furthermore, he has developed approaches to stimulate the nervous system using focused ultrasound, which has shown potential for non-invasive treatments in studying the brain and diseases of the nervous system.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.