Hi, I'm Jax Skye, PhD
A
Computational Cognitive Neuroscientist
About
Dr. Skye is a computational cognitive neuroscientist and INSPIRE Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Iowa. His core interest is in how the brain constructs and manipulates internal models of the world (e.g., representations of space, time, and other minds) and uses them to make rapid, dynamic predictions about what comes next. Much of his work has used focal brain lesions as a lens through which to probe these questions, studying how damage to brain regions, functional networks, and white matter tracts disrupts higher-order cognitive functions.
- Languages: Python, MATLAB, R, Bash, HTML/CSS
- Libraries: TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, statsmodels, SciPy, NumPy, pandas, umap, networkx, KeplerMapper, Matplotlib, Seaborn
- Tools & Technologies: Git, Apptainer, Docker, high-performance computing cluster, LaTeX
- Applications: FreeSurfer, FSL, EEGLAB, MRIcroGL, Surf Ice, Slicer, SPSS, JASP, REDCap, Qualtrics, Prolific, MTurk, Unity, Motive, Pupil Labs, ImageMagick, gimp, Inkscape, Microsoft Office, Prezi
- Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Rocky, Kali), Windows, iOS
Projects
TDA-Mapper applied to brain lesion dataset
- Tools: Python, KeplerMapper, networkx, UMAP, scikit-learn
- Methods: TDA Mapper, leave-one-out ridge regression, lesion mapping, open-source toolbox development
- Deliverables: Open-source Python toolbox, conference poster
Emotional context modulates psychoacoustic sensitivity
- Tools: Python, R, Prolific, Qualtrics, REDCap
- Methods: 3-interval forced-choice oddball paradigm, repeated measures ANOVA, linear mixed effects models, psychopathology trait assessment
- Deliverables: Manuscript in preparation, conference poster, lab presentation
Nonlinear embeddings predict stroke outcomes
- Tools: Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, NumPy, pandas, matplotlib, seaborn, Git, Apptainer, HPC
- Methods: low-dimensional embeddings (UMAP), ridge and kernel ridge regression, clustering, cross-validation, held-out cohort evaluation
- Deliverables: Reproducible modeling pipeline, cross-cohort validation results, peer-reviewed manuscript
Brain network disruption associated with socially inappropriate behavior
- Tools: Python, MATLAB, FSL, FreeSurfer, MRIcroGL, Git
- Methods: lesion–symptom mapping, lesion network mapping, structural and functional MRI, neuropsychological assessment
- Deliverables: Network-level lesion maps, statistical models linking damage to behavior, manuscript in preparation
Latent structure of visuospatial dysfunction in brain lesion patients
- Tools: R, MATLAB, bash, Surf Ice, MRIcroGL
- Methods: factor analysis, lesion–symptom mapping, lesion network mapping, cross-cohort prediction
- Deliverables: Doctoral dissertation, predictive models, peer-reviewed publications
Medial temporal lobe-precuneus network for time orientation
- Tools: MATLAB, R, MRIcroGL, Surf Ice
- Methods: lesion–symptom mapping, network localization, neuropsychological assessment
- Deliverables: Peer-reviewed publication (Annals of Neurology, study featured on cover), conference presentations
Anatomical underpinnings of tumor-related syndrome
- Tools: MATLAB, MRIcroGL, Surf Ice, clinical imaging data
- Methods: lesion localization, group-level neuroanatomical analysis
- Deliverables: Peer-reviewed publication (Brain Communications), graphical abstract
Multisensory signal integration in virtual reality
- Tools: MATLAB, Pupil Labs eye tracking, infrared motion tracking, HTC Vive
- Methods: psychophysics, virtual reality stimulus presentation, multisensory integration modeling
- Deliverables: Experimental datasets, conference posters, undergraduate research project
Selected Publications
Nonlinear low-dimensional embeddings predict stroke outcomes.
Skye, J., Kliemann, D., Boes, A. D., & Traer, J. A. (2026)
Submitted to Human Brain Mapping
Neuroanatomy of cerebellar mutism syndrome: The role of lesion location.
Skye, J., Bruss, J., Toescu, H., Herbet, G., Aquilina, K., Grafft, A., Bardi Losa, G., & Boes, A. D. (2024)
Brain Communications, 6(4)
https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae197
Localization of a medial temporal lobe–precuneus network for time orientation.
Skye, J., Bruss, J., Herbet, G., Tranel, D., & Boes, A. D. (2023)
Annals of Neurology, 94(3), 421–433
https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.26681
Jax Skye (2023)
Uncovering the latent structure of visuospatial ability and predicting visuospatial dysfunction from lesion location
Published doctoral dissertation
Dr. Skye's dissertation
Education
Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Training Program: Iowa Neuroscience Specialty Program in Research Education (INSPIRE)
Advisors: James Traer, PhD | Dorit Kliemann, PhD
Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Degree: Doctorate of Philosophy in Neuroscience
Advisors: Daniel Tranel, PhD | Aaron Boes, MD, PhD
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Reno, Nevada, USA
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
Minor: Philosophy
GPA: 3.8/4.0