Andrew Brna Email & Phone Number

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

- Developed neuroscience-inspired machine learning algorithms to endow systems with lifelong learning and adaptation capabilities- Produced automatic target recognition systems for LWIR, MWIR, and SAR imagery in embedded flight platforms utilizing elements designed and trained through automatic machine learning (auto-ml) techniques- Constructed NHP models of cortical activity to facilitate testing of novel, non-invasive neurotechnologies- Further leveraged engineering and neuroscientific expertise to advance multiple DARPA programs

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

- Performed research in systems neuroscience in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) - Conducted experiments in rat and primate models to examine the responses of SI to vibrotactile and noxious stimulus patterns, studying cortical dynamics underlying somatosensation and exploring the relationship between SI and slow-developing pain- Analyzed neuron spike train information using electrophysiological microelectrode recordings and local activity using optical intrinsic signal (OIS) imaging- Interfaced with custom equipment and performed data analysis using custom MATLAB scripts and packages- Assisted in survival procedures within a sterile environment- Trained in and practiced with rat handling and surgical techniques- Managed lab space and wrote SOPs for experimental procedures

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

- Built multi-stage user interface program in Python to collect, process, and display stored subject data- Interacted with online subject database through custom script files- Explored gaze direction determination in recordings for pediatric research- Redesigned interface to imaging software for mouse visual cortex research- Engineered system to treat obstructive sleep apnea

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

- Instructed students in MATLAB programming, linear systems analysis, human physiology, and biomedical instrumentation. - Demonstrated course concepts in weekly laboratory sessions. - Developed grading rubrics for math-based and report-based assignments. - Wrote exercises to replace outdated/ineffective course materials. - Lead 2-3 member teams in multiple work scenarios.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

- Taught microcontroller architecture, applications, and programming to senior biomedical engineering students- Gave multiple hour-long interactive lectures weekly- Modified work materials according to student needs and abilities- Met with students one-on-one to provide guidance and discuss performance- Oversaw and critiqued student teams in two several-month projects- Earned position from superior performance as teaching assistant- Managed teaching assistant working in my previous role

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

- Examined spectroscopic information for single (SNP) and multiple-nucleotide polymorphism (MNP) discrimination in DNA strands- Collected and characterized surface-enhanced Raman spectra of hybridized DNA samples- Utilized principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discrimination analysis (LDA) to classify data sets

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

- Designed and manufactured hydrogel sensitive to IL-1α for use in the detection of skin damage in neonatal patients- Conducted extensive market research analysis to drive product development - Used design control process based on FDA Quality System Regulations- Created design history file (DHF) and maintained detailed engineering records- Built custom EKG heart-monitoring system utilizing simple commercial sensor- Prepared prototypes using appropriate chemical and lab safety techniques

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

- Collaborated on technology to combat pharmaceutical counterfeiting and shipment tampering (CertiTag™). - Manipulated lab hardware using custom MATLAB script code interacting with proprietary compiled code. - Delivered graphical user interface for use in concert with lab technology.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Specialization in Neuroscience. Dissertation: "Spatiotemporal Response Dynamics of Cortical Neuron Populations.

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Biomedical/Medical Engineering, 4.0 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Specialization in Biomedical Instrumentation