Addison Schwamb

(any pronouns)

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Hi, I'm Addison. I am an electrical engineer by training who develops dynamical systems models of the brain for use in clinical neuroscience. I am currently pursuing my PhD at Washington University in Saint Louis, under the advisement of Dr. ShiNung Ching. You can see more of my work in the paper highlights on the main page, or in my CV below. Are you a current graduate student, or considering graduate school? Check out the Resources page for some of the helpful resources I've used during my PhD.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

Washington University in Saint Louis

PhD Electrical Engineering (anticipated May 2025)

Cognitive, Computational, and Systems Neuroscience Pathway

Oklahoma Christian University

BSCE Computer Engineering, Software Emphasis (April 2020)

Dissertation

Title: Systems theoretic frameworks for individualized interaction with the brain

Advisor: Dr. ShiNung Ching

Research Interests

Dynamical Systems, Control. Computational Neuroscience, Modeling, Individualized Models, Clinical Applications, Personalized Medicine, EEG Analysis, Reinforcement Learning

Publications

Journals

  • A. Schwamb, C. Gilman, R. Landre, Z. Krug, T. Fulton, S. Tomko, S. Ching, and R. Guerriero, (2024) “Quantitative EEG trends surrounding cardiopulmonary arrests in children: insights for prevention and prognosis.” Clinical Neurophysiology (Under review)
  • Z. Yu, A. Schwamb, B. Palanca, and S. Ching, (2024) “Pointwise EEG Slow Wave Activity Detection” (in preparation)

Conference Proceedings

  • A. Schwamb, M. Singh, R. Guerriero, and S. Ching, (2024) “Data-driven modeling of neural dynamics from EEG to track physiological changes,” in IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference (accepted)
  • S. Mantell, N. Sapong, A. Schwamb, D. Mascareñas, and A. Cattaneo, (2021) “Techniques to improve robustness of video-based sensor networks.” Data Science in Engineering, Vol. 9, Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series
  • A. Schwamb, L. Frisco, P. Androulakakis, S. Susanto, and Z. Fuchs, (2019) “Implementation of an open-loop turn circle intercept controller” in IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications

Conference Activity

Oral Presentations

  • A. Schwamb, M. Singh, R. Guerriero, and S. Ching, “Data-driven modeling of neural dynamics from EEG to track physiological changes,” Engineering in Medicine & Biology Conference, July 15-19, 2024, Orlando, FL.
  • A. Schwamb for S. Ching, “Dynamical systems-based digital twins for personalized neurocritical care,” American Control Conference Cybermedicine Workshop, July 8-9, 2024, Toronto, ON.
  • S. Mantell, N. Sapong, A. Schwamb, D. Mascareñas, and A. Cattaneo, “Techniques to improve robustness of video-based sensor networks.” SEM International Modal Analysis Conference, February 8-11 2021, Virtual.
  • A. Schwamb, L. Frisco, P. Androulakakis, S. Susanto, and Z. Fuchs, “Implementation of an open-loop turn circle intercept controller.” IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications, August 19-21, Hong Kong.

Poster Presentations

  • C. Gilman, A. Schwamb, T. Fulton, R. Landre, S. Ching, and R. Guerriero, “Quantitative electroencephalography trends preceding cardiac arrest in pediatric patients.” American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, February 28 - March 3, 2024, Orlando, FL.
  • M. Loe, A. Schwamb, J. Wagner, R. Landre, M. Morrissey, S. Tomko, R. Guerriero, and S. Ching, “Spatiotemporal characterization of unilateral electrophysiological depression in two pediatric patients.” Society for Neuroscience, November 11-15, Washington, DC.
  • A. Schwamb and S. Ching, “Remapping of task-relevant attractor dynamics in lesioned network models via low-dimensional feedback.” Society for Neuroscience, November 12-16, San Diego, CA.
  • A. Schwamb, G. Vedovati, T. Papouin, and S. Ching, “Astrocytic contextual guidance of learning and memory in recurrent neural networks.” MURI recipients meeting, September 8-9, 2022, Boston, MA.
  • A. Schwamb, M. Loe, J. Wagner, S. Khanmohammadi, L. Eisenmann, O. Laurido-Soto, T. Kummer, and S. Ching, “High-frequency specific spreading depression in EEG of traumatic brain injury patients.” Society for Neuroscience, November 3-7, 2021, Virtual.

Research Experience

Graduate Researcher (Aug. 2020 - present)

Electrical & Systems Engineering

Washington University in Saint Louis

  • Conducted PhD research in brain dynamics and controls, focusing on theoretical modeling and data-driven approaches to neural diagnoses, additionally mentoring several students in undergraduate research experiences and masters thesis projects.
  • Dissertation proposal completed August 2023.

Post Baccalaureate Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory (June 2020 - Aug 2020)

  • Conducted a team research project using image processing techniques to improve robustness in dispersed video sensor networks, culminating in the joint primary authorship of a paper presented at the 2021 SEM International Modal Analysis Conference.

Undergraduate Researcher

Wright State University (May 2018 - July 2018)

  • Designed and executed a comprehensive research project in robotics and controls which resulted in primary authorship of a paper presented at the 2019 IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications

Teaching

Private Tutor

Pikes Peak State College (SP2024)

Course: Intro to Statistics

  • Assisted a student with homework problems, explaining difficult concepts and helping develop problem solving skills.

Assistant Instructor

Washington University in Saint Louis (SP2023)

Course: Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems Modeling in Engineering

  • Assisted in developing a new course including delivering lectures, creating and grading assessments, and holding office hours

Assistant Instructor

Washington University in Saint Louis (FA2021)

Course: Introduction to Electrical and Systems Engineering

  • Held weekly recitation and office hours, as well as grading assessments

Teaching Assistant Oklahoma Christian University (FA2017, FA2018, FA2019)

Course: Engineering Mathematics

  • Held informal study sessions throughout the semester, working through example problems in requested topics

Mentoring

Current Mentees

  • Zongxi Yu, first year PhD student

Past Mentees

  • Mi Zhou, Masters student
  • Zhenghao Xiong, Masters student
  • Mario Rodriguez-Montoya, Undergraduate student
  • Zoe Krug, Undergraduate student
  • Kristen Howorka, Masters student
  • Marshaun Love, Undergraduate student
  • Leandre Pestcoe, Undergraduate student

Honors & Awards

Washington University in Saint Louis

Translational Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Training Program fellow (NINDS T-32) (July 2023 - July 2025)

Outstanding Graduate Assistant Instructor (April 2022)

National Science Foundation

Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention (April 2021)

Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honors Society

Inducted (February 2019)

Alpha Chi Honors Society

Inducted (February 2018)

Oklahoma Christian University

Outstanding Computer Engineering Freshman (April 2017)

National Merit Scholars

National Merit Scholar (April 2015)

University Service

Electrical & Systems Engineering PhD Student Advisory Board (April 2023 - present)

  • Served as a liason between PhD students and department administration and faculty.
  • Organized several events designed to promote community within the department, including monthly happy hours and a practice qualifying exam session, as well as creating an “FAQ” document for PhD students in the department.
  • Gave departmental tours to prospective students & faculty.

Translational Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Bootcamp Mentor

  • Provided mentorship to students considering the Translational Neuroscience & Neurotechnology (TNNT) program, and gave a 1hr lecture on my research.
  • Helped design the inaugural TNNT Bootcamp experience.

Alpha Chi Region II Student Representative

  • Member of the national council of academic honors society Alpha Chi.
  • Served on three committees each year.
  • Represented students & academics from Region II and relayed organization-level decisions to the members of Region II at regional meetings.

Engineering Summer Academy Mentor

  • Led a team of five freshmen as they competed in different engineering challenges through a week of orientation to the engineering department at Oklahoma Christian University, promoting teamwork, communication, problem solving, and other skills required to succeed as an engineering student.

Volunteer & Community Leadership

Actually, Aspec

Co-founder and peer facilitator (Sept. 2022 - present)

  • Co-founder and peer facilitator for grassroots peer support & advocacy organization for asexual, aromantic, and agender (aspec) people
  • Facilitate meetings 1-2 times per month, engage in outreach & advocacy at local pride festivals, coordinate fundraisers, and currently organizing a shift to 501(c)3 status

Toastmasters International, Oklahoma Christian ECE Chapter

Vice President (Aug. 2019 - Apr. 2020)

  • Created schedule of speeches and other duties for one school year, reminded members of their Toastmasters duties every week via email, and coordinated with our faculty sponsor.

Senior Design Project

Team Lead (Jan. 2019 - Apr. 2020)

  • Selected by department faculty to be the team lead for my senior design project, including keeping track of teammates’ progress, writing weekly status memos, and coordinating meetings with our supervisors
  • Provided guidance and made decisions for the team

Phi Omega Nu Social Service Club

Interim Vice President (Sept. 2019 - Oct. 2019)

  • Served as Vice President temporarily while the President was unable to complete her responsibilities due to health issues.
  • Assisted in coordinating rush voting, induction night activities, as well as strategic planning for the club as a whole.

Athletics Director (Aug. 2019 - Apr. 2020)

  • Organized participation in intramural sports, including choosing teams, choosing coaches, notifying people of game days, and representing our club to intramural staff and other teams’ captains.

Treasurer (Aug. 2018 - Apr. 2019)

  • Created and managed a budget of $4000 which was subdivided into budgets for fifteen other officers, collected money for dues and other club payments, reconciled monthly credit card statements, cut checks for large purchases, handled sharing a credit card among officers and reimbursed other officers’ expenses.

Alumni Relations Director (Jan. 2018 - Apr. 2018)

  • Contacted alumni and handled money for an alumni donations drive
  • Created a group on social media for alumni to stay connected to the club

Society for Women Engineers, Oklahoma Christian Affiliate Chapter

Senior Representative (Aug. 2019 - Apr. 2020)

  • Served as an officer, helping to promote events & fundraisers benefitting women in engineering at Oklahoma Christian and in the greater Oklahoma City area.

President (Aug. 2018 - Apr. 2019)

  • In addition to standard officer duties (above), organized and led officer meetings, organized annual fundraiser, and organized officer elections for the 2019-2020 school year.

Vice President (Aug. 2017 - Apr. 2018)

  • In addition to standard officer duties, worked with the president to become officially affiliated with SWE International

Freshman Representative (Aug. 2016 - Apr. 2017)

  • In addition to standard officer duties, served as a panelist at a Women in Engineering event at the Oklahoma City FIRST Robotics tournament

Tucson Girls Chorus Southwest Engagement Choir

Assistant Director (Mar. 2014 - May 2015)

  • Taught music theory and performance to underprivileged girls on the Pascua Yaqui reservation near Tucson, AZ.

Professional Experience

Niagara Bottling, LLC

Automation Software Engineer

  • Quickly mastered SCADA software platform and became responsible for training other team members
  • Created a monitoring dashboard that provides reliability information for manufacturing systems across 25 locations
  • Worked with software vendor to add new functionality based on project needs
  • Supported optimization project for a different business unit through an independent site visit

VisuALS

Web Developer

  • Designed and developed custom crowdfunding platform backend, including SQL database construction and integration, as well as integration with existing website and third-party eCommerce platform.

Technical Skills

Academic: Interdisciplinary research, teaching, course development, research mentorship, academic writing, grant writing

Dynamical Systems: Model creation, neural modeling, linear systems, nonlinear systems, dimensionality reduction/PCA

EEG: EEG monitoring setup/recording, time domain analysis, frequency domain analysis, multimodal data integration

Machine Learning: Clustering, classification, regression, backpropagation, reinforcement learning, RNNs

Programming Languages: Assembly, C/C++, C#, CSS, HTML, Java, Javascript, MATLAB/Simulink, PHP, Python/Jython, SQL, Verilog

Professional Memberships

IEEE: Joined 2019

Society for Neuroscience: Joined 2021