Weinan Sun
Assistant Professor, Neurobiology and Behavior
Academic focus:
Neuroscience and artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on studying cognitive map formation in animals and developing novel AI models for reasoning and planning.
Current research project:
Investigating the process of cognitive map formation in the hippocampus of animal brains using large-scale two-photon calcium imaging, and applying these insights to develop advanced AI systems for reasoning and planning.
Previous positions:
- Research Scientist, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2020-2023
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2017-2020
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 2014-2017
Academic background:
- Ph.D., Biophysics and neuroscience, University of Montana, 2014
- B.S., Biotechnology, China Pharmaceutical University, China, 2008
Last book read:
"A Brief History of Intelligence: Evolution, AI, and the Five Breakthroughs That Made Our Brains" by Max Bennett
In your own time/when not working:
I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter and playing the piano.
Courses you're most looking forward to teaching:
I'm excited to teach courses that bridge neuroscience and artificial intelligence, exploring how insights from biological systems can inform and improve AI design.
What most excites you about Cornell:
I'm thrilled about the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with top-notch experts across various fields. Cornell's commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and research is particularly exciting to me.
