Building Networks
Robert Yang is interested in building neural network and circuit models of brain functions. He has contributed to the modern use of recurrent neural networks as a modeling tool in neuroscience. His work has shed light on neural mechanisms for cognitive flexibility. The Yang lab focuses on building multi-scale, multi-system integrative models of higher cognitive functions.
Biography
Robert Yang joined the McGovern Institute as an associate member in July 2021 and is also an Assistant Professor in the
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) with a joint appointment in the
EECS Department in the
Schwarzman College of Computing (SCC). He trained in physics at Peking University and then went on to obtain a PhD in computational neuroscience at New York University, followed by an internship in software engineering at Google Brain. Before coming to MIT, Robert conducted postdoctoral research at the
Center for Theoretical Neuroscience of Columbia University, where he was a Junior Fellow at the
Simons Society of Fellows.
Honors and Awards
Searle Scholar, 2022-2025
Junior Fellow, Simons Society of Fellows, 2018-2021
Dean’s Outstanding Dissertation Award in the Sciences, New York University, 2018
Samuel J. and Joan B. Williamson Fellowship, New York University, 2016
MacCracken Fellowship, New York University, 2013-2016
Benz Scholarship, Peking University, 2011
National Scholarship of China, 2010