Neurophysiology
By implanting microscopic recording devices we listen to the activity of individual neurons, and neuronal assemblies, during learning and decision-making.
Optogenetics
We control the activity of critical neurons at precise moments as a decision is formed and the outcome is revealed.
To do this we use a combination of viruses and transgenics to express opsin proteins in specific cell types in specific brain areas. Lasers then activate the opsin proteins to cause stimulation or inhibition of neural firing.
To do this we use a combination of viruses and transgenics to express opsin proteins in specific cell types in specific brain areas. Lasers then activate the opsin proteins to cause stimulation or inhibition of neural firing.
Neurochemistry
We monitor the activity of critical neuromodulators such as dopamine.
We use multiple methods including fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, activity-dependent calcium fluoresence, and opto-tagging of dopamine cells.
We use multiple methods including fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, activity-dependent calcium fluoresence, and opto-tagging of dopamine cells.
Computational Modeling
Simulations help us better interpret how information is processed by neural circuits.
Models range from abstract descriptions of economic value and reward prediction errors, to detailed large-scale simulations of cortical-basal ganglia networks.
Models range from abstract descriptions of economic value and reward prediction errors, to detailed large-scale simulations of cortical-basal ganglia networks.
Neural Engineering
Understanding network computations requires recording from many neurons as they communicate with each other.
We develop a range of devices for long-term recording at high spatial resolution without tissue disruption.
We develop a range of devices for long-term recording at high spatial resolution without tissue disruption.
Behavior
Carefully-designed behavioral tasks are the foundation of almost all our experiments.
These tasks allow us to tease apart component processes of behavioral control.
The majority of our work involves variants of a left vs right decision task. In some studies subjects learn by trial-and-error, updating their choices based on recent reinforcement. In other studies subjects may be instructed to move, but then rapidly told to cancel that action. We examine how the state of the brain differs when cancellation is successful, or fails, to gain insights into action preparation, attention reorienting, and executive function.
These tasks allow us to tease apart component processes of behavioral control.
The majority of our work involves variants of a left vs right decision task. In some studies subjects learn by trial-and-error, updating their choices based on recent reinforcement. In other studies subjects may be instructed to move, but then rapidly told to cancel that action. We examine how the state of the brain differs when cancellation is successful, or fails, to gain insights into action preparation, attention reorienting, and executive function.