Yan Wong Lab research
Collaborations | Student research projects | Publications
About Associate Professor Yan Wong
Yan received his PhD for work towards the design and development of a vision prosthetic microchip and novel electrode organizations for current focusing from the University of New South Wales in 2009. For his postdoctoral work, he joined the Center for Neural Science at New York University studying the role of spike-LFP interactions in the Posterior Parietal Cortex on movement planning, as well as developing a Brain Machine Interface for high-dimensional upper limb control. After that he was part of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department at the University of Melbourne and National Vision Research Institute working on the development of neural prostheses and the understanding of neural circuit dynamics.
When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy rowing on the Yarra, cycling next to it and running around it. I have no sense of direction and am happy to fix anyone’s computer.
Our research
Working to improve and develop a wide range of neural prostheses, we are particularly interested in developing new technologies such as brain machine interfaces, and using novel neuroscience approaches like the local field potential to improve the efficacy of devices. On the basic neuroscience side, we study the role of the local field potentials in communication across brain areas and potential roles in multi-effector decision making, reward learning and movement planning.
Current projects
- Cortical vision prostheses to restore sight to the blind
- Brain machine interfaces for high dimensional reaching control
- Understanding how brain oscillations aid in coordinating long-range cortical communication
Research activities
Our lab is working to improve and develop a wide range of neural prostheses, including Brain Machine Interfaces for upper limb control, bionic eyes, and cochlear implants. We are particularly interested in developing new recording technologies, and utilizing novel neuroscience approaches like the local field potential to improve the efficacy of devices.
On the basic neuroscience side, we study the role of the local field potentials in communication across brain areas and potential roles in multi-effector decision making, reward learning and movement planning.
 Internal electronics of the Gennaris implant. |  Custom designed Gennaris headgear |
Collaborations
We collaborate with many scientists and research organisations around the world. Click on the map to see the details for each of these collaborators (dive into specific publications and outputs by clicking on the dots).
Student research projects
The Yan Wong Lab offers a variety of Honours, Masters and PhD projects for students interested in joining our group. There are also a number of short term research opportunities available.
Please visit Supervisor Connect and Engineering Final Year Projects to explore the projects currently available in the Yan Wong lab.
