Patrick McClure

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Papers

Total Citations

283

H-Index

About

Patrick McClure is a researcher whose work spans two remarkably distinct scientific domains: computational neuroscience and nuclear space power systems. In computational neuroscience, McClure has made significant contributions to understanding how deep neural networks can serve as mechanistic models of nervous system function, helping to explain how the brain processes information to produce cognition and behavior. His influential work on this topic, published across multiple iterations, has accumulated nearly 275 citations combined, reflecting the substantial impact these contributions have had on researchers seeking to bridge artificial intelligence and brain science. Beyond neuroscience, McClure has demonstrated impressive interdisciplinary range through his involvement with NASA's Nuclear Systems Kilopower Project, a pioneering initiative launched in 2015 to develop compact fission power systems for space exploration. This work aimed to advance small-scale nuclear reactors to Technology Readiness Level 5, representing a meaningful step toward enabling long-duration deep space missions. Together, these contributions paint a portrait of a researcher comfortable operating at the frontier of both biological computation and advanced space technology — a rare combination that speaks to both his scientific versatility and his commitment to tackling foundational challenges across disciplines.