Name: Clarissa Whitmire
Currently at: University of Queensland
Position: Group leader and Senior Research Fellow, Queensland Brain Institute, Senior lecturer in Neuroengineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Graduated: n/a
Degrees: 2011 BSc Biomedical Engineering (North Carolina State University); 2017 PhD Biomedical Engineering (Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University)
Career timeline:

Tell us about yourself. What do you currently do? 

I am a Group Leader at the University of Queensland, where I have a joint appointment between the Queensland Brain Institute and the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The focus of my lab centers on understanding how the brain constructs perception from sensory input. We are driven by the idea that perception is not a passive reception of stimuli, but an active neural construction. Each time we experience a sensory event, the brain generates an internal representation—what we ultimately perceive—rather than transmitting the stimulus itself through the nervous system. Using a combination of experimental paradigms and computational models, we investigate how somatosensory information is encoded across the neuraxis—from the skin to the cortex—with a particular emphasis on the dynamic role of the thalamus.

In addition to leading research, I’ve developed and teach a course on the fundamentals of Neuroengineering, which introduces students to the intersection of neuroscience and engineering principles. This teaching role allows me to share the excitement of discovery with the next generation of scientists and engineers, while grounding our lab’s work in a broader educational context.

How did your work in the lab of A05 help in your career(s) after graduation? 

The SFB1315 was absolutely invaluable to my career progression. Through its retreats, workshops, and events, I was able to deeply integrate into Berlin’s neuroscience community. These experiences not only expanded my network but also shaped my scientific perspective—especially in the area of memory consolidation, which continues to influence my work today.

The collaborative environment of SFB1315 allowed me to build lasting relationships and gain exposure to a wide range of research approaches. The work I began during that time is still ongoing, and the connections I made have had a direct impact on my career trajectory.

 How did you conduct your job search after leaving A05?

I began my job search while still in Berlin. Interestingly, during the interview for my current position in Australia, one of the faculty members turned out to be a close colleague of an SFB1315 member. That connection was a direct link across continents—proof that the scientific world is smaller and more interconnected than we often realize.

What advice would you give undergraduate students in neuroscience?

Stay curious. Stay positive. And work hard. If you’re having fun, it won’t feel like work. We’re incredibly fortunate to earn a living by exploring questions that genuinely interest us. It’s a rare and wonderful opportunity—so embrace it, and enjoy the journey!

 How important do you think mentoring was and is for your career development, and would you be willing to mentor a student in our consortium?

Mentoring has been a lifeline throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate to have multiple mentors who generously offered their time and guidance to help me succeed. I’m always willing to mentor future students—it’s my way of giving back for the countless favors and support I’ve received. Paying it forward is not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege.

Contact Clarissa to get in touch!