Yongsoo Ra
Kempner Graduate Fellow
PhD Student in Neuroscience
About
Yongsoo Ra, born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, obtained a BS in Neuroscience and a BA in Computer Science from the University of Rochester in 2020. During his undergraduate years, he worked with Dr. Gregory DeAngelis to study neural mechanisms for depth perception and with Dr. Ralf Haefner to design experiments to test confirmation bias. Continuing his research, he worked with Dr. Sebum Paik at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to investigate the spontaneous emergence of cognitive abilities in artificial neural networks. Additionally, he explored parallel circuits for habitual and goal-directed gaze behaviors with Dr. Hyoung Kim at the Seoul National University. Outside of academics, Yongsoo enjoys weightlifting and tennis.
Research Focus
Ra’s research is in machine learning and neuroscience. He is especially interested in biological implementation of reinforcement learning theory.