Predicting Neural Circuit Fragility with GNNs

A self-directed summer project comparing graph neural networks against classical centrality measures for predicting critical neurons in the C. elegans connectome.

I wanted to know whether a GNN could actually learn something useful from a connectome that simple graph statistics couldn't. So I built a cascade simulator over the 297-neuron chemical connectome, computed 5 centrality baselines, and trained a 2-layer GCN against them in PyTorch Geometric. Result: the GCN (R² ≈ 0.32-0.35) didn't beat linear regression on the centralities (R² ≈ 0.51). Error analysis suggested the bottleneck was features, not architecture.

Skills: Python, PyTorch Geometric, NetworkX, scikit-learn, GCN

github.com/MrunmayeeWankhede/GNN_Neural_Circuit_Perturbation

HP Fold Arduino

A bioinformatics project that physically visualizes protein folding energy using an Arduino Uno and the HP lattice model.

Over the course of a few days, I wanted to see if I could make protein folding tangible. Most HP model implementations are purely software. I wanted the energy trajectory to actually drive something physical. So I built a system where a Python simulation runs the folding algorithm and streams the energy in real time to an Arduino. The Arduino then translates it into servo movement, LEDs, and a buzzer.

Skills: C++, Python, Arduino, serial communication

github.com/MrunmayeeWankhede/HP_Fold_Arduino

Leaky Fire Integrate Arduino

A beginner-friendly Arduino project that simulates a neuron using a pushbutton and LED.

Over spring break, I wanted to see if I could get an Arduino to behave like a neuron. I didn't just want it to blink an LED, I wanted it to actually model the integrate-and-fire dynamics that computational neuroscientists use to describe how real neurons work.

Skills: C++, Arduino

github.com/MrunmayeeWankhede/Leaky-Integrate-Fire-Arduino

Little Tomo

A small Arduino robot with moods, controlled by an ultrasonic sensor.

Tomo has opinions about how close I am: stand near and he's happy, drift away and he gets sad, lunge at him and he's scared, each mood with its own buzzer sounds, its own face on the LCD, and a little servo arm that moves to match.

Skills: C++, Arduino, ultrasonic sensor, servo motor, LCD

github.com/MrunmayeeWankhede/lil-robo-buddy

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