It may sound like the stuff of sci-fi movies, but leading researcher Alice Parker and her team are studying the possibility of creating a synthetic brain. Though results are years away, the research could potentially serve to aid a human being or be feasible as a robot brain. Parker, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of Southern California, will share her ideas at the 2009 North Dakota Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) State Conference held on Sept. 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. In addition, students from North Dakota universities will share their research results in poster presentations from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Parker’s address, “Synthetic Brains: Technology in the 21st Century – Revenge of the Nerds,” will discuss the progress and challenges in the research to determine if building a synthetic brain out of carbon nanotubes is feasible. A nanotube is a hollow cylinder measuring about 1 to 2 nanometers in diameter, usually made out of a single element such as carbon. Parker’s team researches how to emulate pieces of the brain. The team works on mathematical models that reflect the connections of the brain’s neurons and will demonstrate how the neurons communicate with each other. The nanotube, according to Parker, is an ideal material to emulate brain function because its 3-D structure allows connectivity in all directions. Parker’s research is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Along with Parker’s luncheon address, the EPSCoR conference, “Research Groups in Focus – Displaying Dynamic Discoveries,” includes research groups showcasing their work through collaborative research discussions and poster sessions featuring work of undergraduates, graduates and postdoctorates. The conference is free but registration is required. For more information, visit www.ndepscor.nodak.edu.