Meet Alessio Buccino combining computational modeling and neuro-engineering
The postdoctoral ETH-fellow from Italy has a background in computational neuroscience and builds models that describe in detail the electrophysiological activity of neurons. After a rather bumpy start in Switzerland, he eventually had his first work day in the Hierlemann Lab, where he met "a vibrant and welcoming group". Once the coronavirus-curve flattens, he plans to explore the Swiss alps with his snowboard.
What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
I came across D-BSSE research in the very early days of my PhD in Norway when I was looking for the latest developments in neuro-technology. I discovered that Andreas Hierlemann and his group are leaders in the development of high-density multi-electrode arrays for measuring the activity of neurons. During my PhD I developed model-based methods to improve the techniques used in electrophysiology based on multi-electrode arrays, and I could not dream about a better source of neuronal data to validate and improve my research. This motivated me to reach out to Andreas and apply for an ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship.
What were your expectations, and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?
My expectations were to find a large and variegate group performing exciting science, and to become an integral part of the lab and the ongoing research. My excitement to start was challenged by an unexpected antagonist…the coronavirus! Since I had recently visited my family in Italy, once I arrived in Switzerland, I had to spend a fortnight in quarantine. After these long days alone in a new country and a new city, I could finally start going to the lab and my expectations have been fully met so far! The group is vibrant and welcoming and even from these very first days it is clear that there will be exciting projects and collaborations with many members of the lab.
Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?
My research will be about developing realistic and biophysically detailed models of single neurons. In order to do so, we plan to combine several modalities including the patch-clamp technique, high-density extracellular electrical recordings, and genetically-encoded voltage indicators. The rich and comprehensive datasets acquired with this multi-modal system, will hopefully allow us to construct better and more accurate models of neurons, which, in turn, could help us to understand the basic mechanisms governing neuronal functions in both, healthy and diseased brain tissue.
Which hobby or private interests do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?
In my free time I like to play soccer and other sports, and to play the guitar. I’m sure I will also enjoy snowboarding in the Swiss mountains during winter.
Thank you, Alessio, and all the best with your research!
Alessio Paolo Buccino obtained his PhD at the Center for Integrative Neuroplasticity, University of Oslo, Norway, where he used computational models and engineering tools to improve current techniques used to study the extracellular electrophysiology of nerve cells. He earned his MSc degree in biomedical engineering and computer science from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, and the University of Houston, TX, USA. As of March 2020, he works in the Bio Engineering Lab (BEL) of Andreas Hierlemann holding an ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship.