Research
We seek to understand how the human brain constructs our experience of the past, present, and possible future. To do so, we work at the interface of basic science and clinical care, to utilize unique recordings performed directly within the human brain. As such an approach is more common to non-human animal studies, we hope to provide translational links between species and neural methodologies.
Projects
Neural processes supporting stimulus encoding
The life cycle of a memory begins with every sensory moment we experience. What factors influence our perception of a given sensory event and how does this occurrence influence the continuation of this information in our short and long term memory? We employ invasive electrophysiological recordings of the human brain to identify and understand these initial ‘encoding’ stages of neural processing, as perception transforms into memory.
Neural systems of memory construction
Perception and memory both require us to build a coherent experience of the world. Using invasive electrophysiological recordings and stimulation, along with neuroimaging, we aim to study key brain structures that are thought to specifically support this constructive process during memory retrieval. Specifically, we focus on elucidating the functional neuroanatomy of the posteromedial cortex (PMC), particularly the retrosplenial and posterior cingulate cortices.
Neural processes supporting stimulus maintenance & retrieval
Humans have a remarkable ability to relive prior events from memory, without any of the relevant information coming in through the senses. Using invasive electrophysiological recordings and stimulation, along with neuroimaging, we aim to elucidate how prior sensory information is reinstated in the human brain to provide access to the past or hold on to the recent present.
Neurotechnology for implantable brain recording & stimulation devices
Given the lab’s central focus on invasive human neurophysiology, we seek to utilize and support the development of neurotechnology which improves the efficacy and safety of implantable devices.
Human intracranial recording & stimulation
Certain neurosurgical procedures (e.g. epilepsy seizure monitoring) require patients to be implanted with electrodes that allow for the recording and stimulation of electrical activity in the brain. During these monitoring procedures, we work with consenting patients to perform studies of perceptual and cognitive functions and to obtain a unique window into the neurophysiology of the human brain. In addition, safe stimulation methods allow us to perform causal studies of brain regions and processes. Together, this methodology promotes our focus on the cognitive neurophysiology of the human brain and its commonalities with other species.
