Manoj is a Data Scientist in the Pokam Lab, where he applies his expertise in coding, data analysis, and computer science to develop advanced neuroscience research analysis tools. He holds a M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Chicago and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from SRM University. Since joining the lab in the summer of 2024, he has modernized legacy research codes with Machine Learning and Deep Learning solutions. Using in vivo two-photon microscopy imaging data, he finds innovative ways to analyze cellular and network signaling patterns from large populations of neurons in our animal models.  Fluorescent indicators, specific for calcium or glutamate and expressed on neuronal membranes, bind these ions or neurotransmitters and emit a change in fluorescence signal in real time, which allows for a variety of cell- and network-based measurements. His work includes optimizing an automated analysis pipeline that improves fluorescence signal motion correction, ROI/cell detection using Suite2P, and fluorescence trace extraction. He is also designing code to efficiently analyze seizures and spreading depolarizations detected in our animal models of traumatic brain injury. Passionate about bridging complex data science applications to neuroscience, he aims to enhance research efficiency, remove any potential analysis bias and subjectivity, and design analysis pipelines that can be easily accessible to others. Outside the lab, he enjoys cooking fusion dishes from various cuisines and occasionally finds time for gaming.