Neural representation and behavioral impact of
decision confidence
Previously we showed that many neurons in orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
signal decision confidence. We are pursuing these initial observations
by trying to establish that confidence-related neural activity in the
OFC is causally related to confidence judgments. In addition, we are
studying how uncertainty may be used behaviorally to modulate learning
and exploration.
Temporal coordination
of activity between brain regions
How do brain areas dynamically coordinate their
activity to produce coherent and seamless coordination of actions? We
are exploring the hypothesis that oscillatory activity in the theta
frequency range (4-12Hz) can serve as the basis for inter-areal
communication. Our initial explorations focus on the coordination of
sniffing, whisking and hippocampal oscillations. Longer term we're
interested in understanding the principles by which neuronal ensembles
interact across areas.
Functions of distinct
interneuron subtypes in cortical dynamics and behavior
Linking identified cell-types with
network dynamics and behavioral function has been a major challenge in
neuroscience. Taking advantage of optogenetic techniques and combining
them with electrophysiological recordings in freely moving mice enable us to
reliably activate and simultaneously record from genetically identified
classes of neurons. Our long-term goal is to causally link the
activity of specific neural types and pathways to behavioral decisions.
Neural representation of
social decisions and rewards
We would like to understand how social information is represented,
computed and used by mice. In rodents, a main source of information for
social decision-making and reward valuation is the chemosensory system.
These circuits tend to be shallow, from sensory input to motor actions,
and highly stereotyped, enabling the systematic dissection of this
system.
Role of cholinergic basal forebrain in learning and attention
The cholinergic basal forebrain is a vitally important yet poorly
understood neuromodulatory system that is thought to play significant
roles in cognitive functions. Our goal is to understand its functions in
learning and attention using a powerful combination of molecular genetic,
electrophysiological, optogenetic and psychophysical techniques.
