Dear master students:

I would like to let you know about a new internship opportunity in our lab that involves developing a new tool for closed-loop control of neuromodulator release in live animals. Neuromodulators, like dopamine and serotonin, plays an important role in behavior (learning, movement, motivation etc.) and several neurological diseases/disorders (Parkinson’s disease, addiction and others). However, we have little idea on how neuromodulators take part in crucial role of these distinct functions. Moreover, our current technologies that involves manipulation of neuromodulator have been generally broad and with little controllability, making it difficult to reach meaningful conclusions and insights. I have developed a method called BrainClamp that gains closed-loop control on neuromodulator release in real-time. BrainClamp will work like a velocity control in self-driving cars, using similar technologies to accurately control neuromodulator release in the brain. Like the velocity control, we can not only fix the neuromodulator at some giving level (i.e. make the speed constant), but we may also control the target level dynamically so that it follows some pattern in real time (like follow the speed of the front car).

This project involves optimization of such method so that we can:
1.Gain control to neuromodulator release at specific time of the behavior.
2.Gain control to neuromodulator release at specific regions in the brain.
3.In tern, gain the ability to shape neuromodulator signal in real time, which is essential for understanding how neuromodulator signaling works in the brain and augment animals ability to learn or perform.

This internship involves answering the questions stated above and learning essential and cutting-edge techniques for the field of systems neuroscience. Techniques taught in this internship include fluorescence photometry, in vivo optogenetics, mouse brain surgery, behavioral analysis, brain extraction and/or histological analysis. In addition, depending on the interest of the student, I can teach programming/data analysis and other techniques. Besides teaching specific techniques, the whole lab are dedicated to mentoring students and encourage development of various skills essential for a starting scientist, such as critical thinking, discussing science, independence and experimental planning. Finally, our lab environment and wider neuroscience Harvard Medical School community allow many opportunities for students, such as journal clubs, excellent talks and seminars.

We are looking for a biology/neuroscience/CS/engineering master student that can tackle this project with us for a period of 8-12 months starting in the spring of 2026. No previous mouse experience is required to apply for this internship, enthusiasm and motivation is crucial! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (email: shunli@g.harvard.edu) and if you have any questions and/or if you are interested in the internship.

Thanks,
Shun Li
PhD student in the Bernardo Sabatini lab