
Our broad research goal is to understand the neural mechanisms by which experience guides learning, behavior, and perception. Our group explores the structure and function of sensorimotor circuits important to learned vocal communication in the songbird and to auditory-motor integration in the mouse. In the course of these explorations, my research group has developed a wide range of technical expertise in both avian and mouse models, including in vivo multiphoton neuronal imaging, chronic recording of neural activity in freely behaving animals, in vivo and in vitro intracellular recordings from identified neurons, and manipulation of neuronal activity using electrical, chemical and optogenetic methods. Our group also has extensive experience with viral transgenic methods to manipulate gene expression, including genes implicated in human neurological disorders. Together, these methods provide a broad technical approach to identify the neural circuit mechanisms important to vocal learning, auditory perception and communication.
Education and Training
- California Institute of Technology, Ph.D. 1991
Associated Faculty Labs
Selected Grants and Awards
- Motor Modulation of Auditory Processing
- Neurobiology Training Program
- Corticostriatal contributions to motor exploration and reinforcement
- Identifying an Error Detection Circuit used for Internally Guided Learning
- Using Genetic Tools to Dissect Neural Circuits for Social Communication
- Cortical Contribution to Innate Vocalizations
- Medical Scientist Training Program
- Modulation of sensory representations in the auditory cortex by callosal inputs
- Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
- Auditory cortical processing of self-generated vocalizations
- Testing a model of cortico-basal ganglia support for juvenile imitative learning in zebra finches
- The synaptic basis for social context specific auditory memory formation
- Exploring Forward Models in Speech Perception and Production Using Songbirds
- Mechanisms for internally and externally guided sensorimotor learning
- Controlled neuronal firing in vivo using two photon spatially shaped optogenetics
- Organization and Function of Cellular Structure
- Neural Codes for Vocal Sequences
- Representation of self and other in mirror neurons in the song sparrow
- Taking DISCO Live: Dual pathway Imaging of Striatal Circuit Output in vivo
- Specific modulation of local and long-range visual cortical circuits by goal-directed attention
- Linking Basal Ganglia Population Dynamics, Dopamine, and Motor Performance
- Basic predoctoral training in neuroscience
- Learning to predict the sensory consequences of movement
- Using songbirds to uncover circuit pathology and recovery in Huntington's disease.
- Adaptive cortical integration of sensory and motor signals
- Corollary Discharge Circuits in Auditory Cortex
- Training in Fundamental &Translational Neuroscience
- Sensorimotor Integration for Learned Behaviors
- Songbirds as a model to explore communiction deficits in Huntington's disease
- Miniature Microdrive for Intracellular Recordings in Freely Behaving Mice
- Structural dynamics of vocal learning
- Non-invasive Chemical Genetic Control of Neuronal Activity
- Optogenetic analysis of circuits for vocal recognition
- Dendritic Remodeling in the Olfactory Bulb
- Locus coeruleus and processing of olfactory social cues
- Convergence in Vocal Premotor Coding
- Auditory Inputs of Nucleus Interfacialis (NIf)
- Single Neuron Correlates of Learned Song
- Cellular Mechanisms of Vocal-Respiratory Integration
- Role of Avian Song Nucleus HVc in Categorical Perception
- Synaptic And Cellular Mechanisms Of Avian Song Learning
- Cellular and Synaptic Changes Underlying Learning.
- Cellular And Synaptic Changes Underlying Avain Learning
Department Affiliation
- Department of Neurobiology