Samuel Inverso RSBS PhD Student

Sam completed a Computer Science undergraduate and Masters Degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology, USA. After working several years in various Research & Development positions, he concluded that setting his own directions is far more rewarding than implementing someone else's ideas. He began a PhD after realizing it is essential to achieve this level of autonomy and expertise.

Sam chose a PhD at RSBS following a great Summer Scholar experience with his project and supervisor. The international reputation of ANU and RSBS' generous funding also influenced Sam's decision. "As an international student, the Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, a Centre for Excellence, Research School of Biological Sciences Top-Up, and an Australian National University PhD Scholarship are a significant help in financing my PhD", Sam says.

Sam's PhD topic brings science fiction into reality. It follows from his Master's thesis on Brain-Computer Interfaces --- a mechanism that solely relies on brain activity to directly control a computer. His current research is a combination of his interests in cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Sam’s PhD focuses on the study and function of neural circuitry in the visual processing system. It will produce a new method for face and object recognition with applications in areas such as medicine, manufacturing, biorobotics, and security.

As a tutor (senior resident) at Burgmann College, Sam enjoys the collegiate life: helping students academically and pastorally. Highlights to date have been organizing and participating in college events, such as The Monster Brain Trivia Challenge and International Food Festival. In Sam's spare time he enjoys rock climbing with the Mountaineering Club and playing the alto saxophone.

In the future, Sam sees himself continuing research as a university professor and consulting with corporations to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

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