Research
Our research explores the fascinating science behind episodic memory—how we recall personal experiences that shape who we are. We dive deep into the brain’s inner workings, focusing on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, to uncover how these regions drive cognition and behavior. Using cutting-edge tools like advanced genetics, brain imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and data science, we’re unlocking the secrets of memory and its connection to our everyday lives.
Behavioral neuroscience & Alzheimer's disease
Our lab uses domestic pigs as a powerful model for cognitive neuroscience, bridging the gap between rodent and human studies. With their human-like brain structure and intelligent behavior, pigs excel in both complex cognitive tasks and traditional spatial tasks, allowing us to explore memory mechanisms across species using cutting-edge tools that control brain activity and measure electrical signals in the brain.
Neurobiology of memory for time
Our research explores how the brain remembers the timing of events—a critical aspect of episodic memory—by studying the roles of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus (HC), and their interactions. Temporal memory abilities, often impaired in conditions like Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and aging, are the focus of our studies on event sequences, elapsed time, and the underlying neurobiology of mPFC-HC interactions.
Memory control system
Our research explores how the brain remembers the timing of events—a critical aspect of episodic memory—by studying the roles of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus (HC), and their interactions. Temporal memory abilities, often impaired in conditions like Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and aging, are the focus of our studies on event sequences, elapsed time, and the underlying neurobiology of mPFC-HC interactions.
Advancing tools for systems neuroscience
Scientific breakthroughs often rely on innovative tools and techniques. To advance understanding of the mPFC-HC memory system, our lab develops new methods, including surgical techniques (patented) and data analysis tools, which we share openly to promote collaboration and support Open Science initiatives.