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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Jerome Mertz
Prof. Mertz’s lab focuses on the development and applications of novel optical microscopy techniques for biomedical imaging. Some specific topics include imaging through complex media, imaging through a single optical fiber, and oblique back-illumination microscopy.
Heidi Meyer
Our approach leverages behavioral, systems, and molecular neuroscience techniques to examine the cognitive and neurodevelopmental underpinnings of affective regulation. Our mission is to take a multi-level approach to neuroscience, setting a solid foundation in learning theory and behavioral assays upon which to apply ever-advancing neuroscience techniques to address a critical gap in knowledge regarding the […]
Siddharth Ramachandran
The Ramachandran Group studies the fundamental properties and applications of spatially structured light beams. Examples of such states of light include (a) Bessel beams that can self-heal through obstructions and are diffraction resistant for longer distances than conventional Gaussian beams; (b) beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) that enable super-resolution microscopy or rotate microscopic particles […]
Steve Ramirez
The mission of my lab is twofold: to reveal the neural circuit mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval, and to artificially modulate memories to combat maladaptive states. We will do so in a multi-disciplinary fashion by combining virus engineering strategies, immunohistochemistry and physiology, optogenetics and functional imaging of targeted populations in vivo, and a battery […]
Ben Scott
My research interest is to develop and apply new technologies to study the neural basis of cognition and complex learned behavior. My approach involves a combination of two fields. The first is biomedical engineering, particularly the development of novel optical imaging and genetic methods to observe and perturb the activity of neurons in their native […]
Matthias Stangl
Research in my lab focuses on how the human brain supports critical cognitive and behavioral functions in our everyday life, such as spatial navigation and memory, and on the neural mechanisms that underlie age-related impairments in these functions. From a methodological perspective, we employ novel neurotechnologies and advanced methodologies such as deep brain recordings in […]