Memory Resistors and Neurobiology Inspired Circuits
Nathaniel Cady, Ph.D., SUNY Polytechnic Institute
ABSTRACT
In the biological and biomedical sciences, nanotechnology research has resulted in dramatic
improvements in sensors, diagnostics, imaging, and even therapeutics. On the flip side,
researchers have successfully used biological systems as inspiration for various engineering
and physical science applications. One example of “bio-inspired” or “biomimetic” research is in
the area of neurobiology inspired electrical circuits. Using the neural synapses and neural
signaling as an example, we are building so-called “memory resistor” or “memristor” devices
that electrically mimic neural synaptic behavior. This presentation will describe the development
of memristor devices, as well as their integration into larger, more complicated “neuromorphic”
circuits, that seek to mimic biological computation (in the brain) in a dynamic, electrical circuitbased construct.
BIOGRAPHY
Nathaniel Cady is an associate professor at the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and
Engineering (CNSE), SUNY Polytechnic Institute. He obtained his PhD from Cornell University
where he focused on development of biosensors and fabrication of nano and microscale
systems. His research group at SUNY Polytechnic focuses on biosensors, biomimetic
engineering, and development of resistive memory devices using CMOS compatible processes.
th
8 Annual NYS Biotechnology Symposium
- May 19 & 20, 2016 -