Research

The PESTILLI LAB promotes progress in psychological and brain science via the democratization of scientific research, methods, data and infrastructure. We strive to advance societal good by accelerating neuroscientific discovery and education via data-science applications and innovative technology.

Data Neuroscience and Machine Learning

Data Neuroscience and Machine Learning Advancing Scientific Understanding with both Theory and Data-Driven Methods

It has been claimed that data is the new oil. Discovery and understanding in psychological and brain science depend on the ability to process large amounts of “good data” to extract meaningful insights. The PESTILLI LAB capitalizes on the recent opportunities for large-scale data analysis, data science and machine learning. The lab uses advanced data-driven methods to find unexplored associations between brain biomarkers and behavior, and to advance scientific theory and understanding.

Open Science and Cloud Technology Innovation and Technology for Better, Faster, Stronger Science

We promote the application of cloud technology to support psychological and brain science science. Cloud technology can help scientists address bigger scientific questions and reduce mistakes. Cloud services allow error-less data analysis and management. The PESTILLI LAB has developed and operates [brainlife.io](https://brainlife.io), an open-source, free cloud computing platform that supports thousands of students and researchers with reproducible neuroimaging data processing.

Open Science and Cloud Technology
Visual White Matter and Brain Networks

Visual White Matter and Brain Networks Understanding vision to advance cure and improve quality of life

Vision is the primary human sense. Visual function requires coordinating the activity of multiple systems, from the eyes to the brain. Visual signals travel across long-range myelinated axonal pathways that form a network of neurons and brain areas. As of today, we understand much about the function of individual neurons and brain areas but less about communication between brain areas. The PESTILLI LAB works on understanding how neurons and brain areas connect and form networks and how these networks support human behavior. The laboratory research combines multiple neuroimaging measurements to study how networks and the biological tissue support human vision during development and across the lifespan.

2022

A pilot study to develop international data governance for neuroscience

Franco Pestilli

Mar 2022

2021

BD Spokes: SPOKE: MIDWEST: Collaborative: Advanced Computational Neuroscience Network (ACNN)

Franco Pestilli

NSF Nov 2021 to Jun 2023

NCS-FO: Connectome mapping algorithms with application to community services for big data neuroscience

Franco Pestilli

NSF Oct 2021 to Sep 2023

Collaborative Proposal: CRCNS US-German Data Sharing Proposal: DataLad - a decentralized system for integrated discovery, management, and publication of digital objects of science

Franco Pestilli

NSF Oct 2021 to Aug 2023

A community-driven development of the brain imaging data standard (BIDS) to describe macroscopic brain connections

Franco Pestilli

NIH Aug 2021 to Jul 2023

2020

Harnessing machine learning and cloud computing to test biological models of the role of white matter in human learning

Franco Pestilli

NSF Sep 2020 to Aug 2022

Advancing understanding of human aging via cloud computing

Franco Pestilli

Aug 2020

2019

CRCNS: US-France Data Sharing Proposal: Lowering the barrier of entry to network neuroscience

Franco Pestilli

NIH Sep 2019 to Jun 2023

BD Hubs: Collaborative Proposal: Midwest: Midwest Big Data Hub: Building Communities to Harness the Data Revolution

Franco Pestilli

NSF Jun 2019 to May 2023

2017

NCS-FO: Connectome mapping algorithms with application to community services for big data neuroscience

Franco Pestilli

NSF Sep 2017 to Dec 2021

2016

BD Spokes: SPOKE: MIDWEST: Collaborative: Advanced Computational Neuroscience Network (ACNN)

Franco Pestilli

NSF Sep 2016 to Oct 2021

2015

Improved accuracy for anatomical mapping and network structure of the Alzheimer's brain.

Franco Pestilli

Sep 2015 to Aug 2017