Our laboratory is investigating two main topics: cellular mechanisms of cortical function, and thalamocortical function and modulation.

Fast Visual Cortical Plasticity: In the area of cortical function, we are investigating the mechanisms by which the cerebral cortex generates fast plastic changes in vision that allow for perceptual phenomenon, such as filling-in of blocked regions of visual space and adaptation to prolonged stimulation.

Persistent Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex generates persistent activity during periods of working memory, and this activity may be important for keeping ongoing tasks or facts in mind. We have developed an in vitro model of persistent activity in the prefrontal cortex and are currently investigating the network and cellular mechanisms for its generation.

Sleep-related Activity in the Cortex- implications for the operation of local cortical circuits: During sleep, the cerebral cortex generates spontaneous network activity. We are investigating the operation of the local cortical circuits in an in vitro model of this activity. These studies are helping us better understand the basic rules of local circuit operation in the cerebral cortex.

Thalamocortical Function and Modulation: The thalamus is a critical site for the control of information flow and processing in the forebrain. We continue to investigate the cellular and subcellular mechanisms by which the thalamus and cerebral cortex interact to generate normal and abnormal patterns of activity, as well as the precise mechanisms by which these structures are modulated by neuromodulatory neurotransmitters. Together these studies are yielding a unique understanding of visual system function and dysfunction and help to form a bridge between the molecular and cellular level all the way up to the cognitive neurosciences.