Experimental
and Computational Neurobiology Laboratory
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My overall
research interest centers upon neurosensory transduction. An essential aspect
of this work is studying the cellular mechanisms underlying the differential
coding properties of myelinated and unmyelinated afferents. I've selected
cardiovascular neurophysiology as a biological model for my experimental and
theoretical work. This is because the functional systems-level
characteristics associated with neurocirculatory control of the heart and
circulatory reflexes are both well described and accessible for both in vivo
and in vitro experimental study. My research methodologies include patch
clamping of cardiovascular sensory neurons both in isolation and in thin
slices of sensory ganglia and brainstem tissues as well as whole animal
baroreceptor reflex studies. I utilize these techniques in conjunction with
methods of computational neuroscience such as mathematical modeling and
dynamical systems analysis to elucidate the cellular mechanisms of
neurosensory integration underlying the cardiovascular reflexes. Current or
recent research support comes from The American Heart Association and The
Whitaker Foundation. |
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A fundamental
principle of engineering design is that an intimate understanding of the application
(or system) must be obtained before any engineering begins. This is certainly
true for Biomedical Engineering (BME). Unfortunately, as BME academicians and
researchers we all too often forget that the Biology must come before the
Engineering. Overall, my professional activities fall into three areas: |
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Theoreticians and experimentalists often pursue similar questions regarding the structure and function of the nervous system. However, each utilizes markedly different tools in their research and this sometimes impedes collaborative exchange. I believe a hybridization of computational and experimental research instrumentation can serve to strengthen and facilitate collaborations between experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. Such systems could make the biology more accessible to the theoreticians as well as enabling experimentalists to utilize (for example) mathematical models as real-time investigative tools. BME activities in my laboratory focus on developing computational platforms and analytical techniques that can facilitate the collaborative exchange between experimental and theoretical neuroscientists. |
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My laboratory is actively studying the cellular mechanisms underlying neural control of the heart, and in particular the arterial baroreceptor reflex. An essential aspect of these experimental investigations is a functional understanding of how sensory neurons and synaptically coupled neural circuits both encode and "process" cardiovascular afferent information. A variety of in vitro and in situ electrophysiological preparations are utilized to acquire data from identified cardiovascular sensory neurons. Methods of computational neuroscience such as neuronal modeling provide a conceptual framework with which to meaningfully interpret experimental results as well as a way of better directing and organizing future studies. Students from traditional life science areas and BME have opportunities in my laboratory to apply basic principles of engineering to the experimental and computational study of cardiovascular neurophysiology. |
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While studying at
Case Western Reserve University (BSBME, MSBME) and Rice University (PhD,
Bioengineering), I benefited tremendously from the strong collaborative
relationships of my faculty mentors with the local medical research
communities. These experiences have emboldened me to help develop BME at
IUPUI into a viable interdisciplinary resource for researchers throughout the
Indiana Medical Center complex. An environment
of collegiality must exist among the basic science, clinical and BME faculty
in order for our discipline to truly live up to its potential. This will only
happen if BME faculty put forth the effort to personally and professionally
integrate their research activities into the academic framework of a medical
school and the associated research community. IMHO, this requires the BME
program to be within close physical proximity of the medical school. Much can
be gained through regular participation in seminars, journal clubs or even
casual conversations with clinical and research faculty. It is all about personal
communication and building professional collegiality through sharing of
common scientific interests. Look across the globe and the following will
become obvious: the overall success and effectiveness of BME academic and
research programs (i.e. clinically relevant training in the biosciences,
extramural funding of both faculty and students, publications, etc.) are
dramatically enhanced when the BME program is physically located within a
medical center complex. BME faculty and students are at their best when given
the opportunity to commix with faculty and students of the clinical and basic
sciences. Bioengineering students at IUPUI can accomplish their academic (MS, PhD) and research objectives while also enjoying a plethora of daily opportunities to personally experience the biological side of BME. |
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Dr. Schild received the B.S. (1983) and M.S. (1988) degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Ph.D. (1994) in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Bioengineering emphasis) from Rice University where he was a Shell Foundation Predoctoral Fellow. While at CWRU Dr. Schild worked as a design engineer in the Implantable Systems Group of the Rehabilitation Engineering Center. From 1988-92 he worked as a Biomedical Engineer in a clinical research facility studying residual motor and sensory function in individuals with traumatic nervous system disorders such as spinal cord and head injuries, stroke and multiple sclerosis. From 1995-96 he was a postdoctoral fellow in the Dept. of Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine. There he advanced his training in cellular electrophysiology and computational neuroscience to a point where he was successful in obtaining an Individual National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Health. This award enabled him to further his training in cellular and whole-animal electrophysiology at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Schild joined the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology in 1997, initially as an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering before transistioning in 2001 to the Department of Biomedical Engineering where his is now an Associate Professor. Dr. Schild's current or recent support includes a Scientist Development Grant from the American Heart Association, a Biomedical Engineering Research Award from The Whitaker Foundation and R01 support from the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the NIH.
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Contact Information Schild, Ph.D. |
