Jeffrey Gavornik
The basis of all cognitive function is communication between neurons in the brain. This communication is mediated by synaptic connections that are modified by experience to encode function. In order to get at the big question of “how the brain works,” I study how experience-driven synaptic plasticity changes local neocortical physiology. I am particularly interested […]
Xue Han
Brain disorders represent the biggest unmet medical need, with many disorders being untreatable, and most treatments presenting serious side effects. Accordingly, we are discovering design principles for novel neuromodulation therapies. We invent and apply a variety of genetic, molecular, pharmacological, optical, and electrical tools to correct neural circuits that go awry within the brain. As […]
David Harris
My laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying two classes of human neurodegenerative disorders: prion and Alzheimer’s diseases. Alzheimer’s disease afflicts 5 million people in the U.S., a number that will increase dramatically as the population ages. Prion diseases are much rarer, but are of great public health concern because of the global emergence […]
Michael Hasselmo
Research in the Hasselmo Laboratory concerns the cortical dynamics of memory-guided behavior, including effects of neuromodulation and theta rhythm oscillations in cortical function. Neurophysiological techniques are used to analyze intrinsic and synaptic properties of cortical circuits in rodents and to explore the effects of modulators on these properties. Computational modeling is used to link these […]
Angela Ho
Brain function requires proper networking and communication between neurons. Brain development is a complex process that involves the movement and proper connectivity of neurons. Mutations in certain genes lead to improper neuron movement and brain development that often lead to severe learning disabilities in children. We are studying a specific pathway that controls one aspect […]
Mark Howe
My laboratory seeks to identify neural circuit principles responsible for adaptively motivating, selecting, and learning actions in changing environments. We focus on the basal ganglia, a set of brain regions implicated in regulating motor and cognitive functions on multiple timescales. A range of techniques are employed including two-photon microscopy, fiber photometry, and electrophysiology in behaving […]
Plamen Ivanov
Prof. Ivanov’s research interests include: Physiological and neural control of cardiac, locomotor, circadian, and sleep rhythms. Network physiology, particularly the interactions between integrated physiologic systems. Nonlinear dynamics and coupling, fractal and multifractal stochastic processes, stochastic feedback, and phase synchronization. Excitable media, particularly myocardial tissue. Phase transitions in physical and biological systems.
Robert M. Joseph
Prof. Joseph received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts in 1996. He completed postdoctoral training in developmental neuropsychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Cambridge Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Prof. Joseph has been a faculty member of the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology since 2001. Prof. Joseph researches the neuropsychology and neurobiology […]
Nancy Kopell
For the last two decades, Prof. Kopell has worked on mathematical problems in neuroscience. Her current interests parallel the themes of the Cognitive Rhythms Collaborative: how does the brain produce its dynamics (physiological mechanisms), how do brain rhythms take part in cognition (sensory processing, attention, memory, motor control), and how can pathologies of brain dynamics […]
Mark Kramer
Prof. Kramer’s research focuses on interdisciplinary topics in mathematical neuroscience with particular emphasis on biophysical models of neural activity and data analysis techniques. He is currently interested in medical applications and networks in neuroscience.