The overarching goal of our research is to understand how neural circuits in our brain mediate visual perception and perceptual decision making.
To address this general goal, we train animals to perform challenging perceptual tasks with well-controlled sensory, cognitive and motor demands.
We then use an array of cutting-edge optical, genetic and electrophysiological tools to measure (“read”) and manipulate (“write”) neural responses while the animals perform these tasks.
Finally, we develop computational models that explain the link between the visual stimuli, the measured neural responses, and the behavioral reports of the animal.
These models summarize our findings and provide a testbed for designing further experiments.
General areas of research:
- The neural code: Using read/write approaches for testing specific hypotheses regarding the nature of the neural code
- Neural variability: Nature, sources and perceptual consequences of neural variability
- Inter-areal communication: Bidirectional interactions between brain regions along the sensory-decision-motor arc
- Neurotechnologies: Developing and testing novel neurotechnologies for closed-loop brain-computer interface
- Linking models: Developing and testing models that explain the link between neural responses at different spatial scales