Funded Awards

Abstract: In this proposed research project, we seek to develop an advanced brain SPECT system that offers a unique hyperspectral imaging capability substantiated by an excellent energy resolution (e.g.,

Electroencephalography (EEG) measures the brain’s local field potential from the surface of the scalp. This method is useful for studying cognitive processes, neurological states, and medical conditions.

Project summary The heterogeneity from the vast number of cell types in the brain presents a major challenge in our understanding of how brain works and in our treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract The goal of this project is to develop a novel bifocal catadioptric objective that will allow large-scale recording of neural circuits in vivo.

Abstract Advances in non-invasive monitoring of human brain function under normal and pathological conditions will lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of the brain in health and disease, and lead to the development of devices available for everyday use, with applications such as monitoring

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Functional MRI (fMRI) is today the predominant tool for noninvasive imaging of brain function, which has revolutionized our understanding of the human brain.

DBS therapy for Parkinson Disease [PD], the primary, FDA-approved surgical approach, has proven efficacious in clinical trials.

ABSTRACT Perceptually guided behavior involves a complex and dynamic interplay between external inputs and internal states that are related, for example, to alertness, motivation, expectations and attention.

Project Summary Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness affecting an estimated 1% of the global population.

Project Summary Learning and performing complex skills such as speech or music requires precise control of motor variability. While elevated motor variability can spur the learning of new behaviors, excessive variability can impair performance of learned skills.

Direct local electrical stimulation (DLES) is an increasingly important therapeutic tool for treating brain disorders such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and OCD.

ABSTRACT The generation of scientifically rich, high resolution neuroimaging volumes continues to increase in extent and rate due to the advancement of new Electron Microscopy (EM) and X-ray Microtomography (XRM) imaging sys- tems and data processing methodologies.

Abstract This project aims to develop the first Inverse Activity Marker (IAM) for detecting neuronal inhibition (broadly defined as the decrease of neuronal activities).

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Individuals make choices and prioritize actions using complex processes that assign value to rewards and associated stimuli based on prior experience.

PROJECT SUMMARY Sensory representations are influenced by an animal’s external context, internal state, past experiences, expectations, and future goals.

A central goal of neuroscience is to discover how neural circuits control the body’s muscles to produce behavior.

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT After a stroke, walking ability can be compromised, which can lead to reduced quality of life and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living.

PROJECT SUMMARY Animals can exhibit goal-directed behaviors in novel environments, despite limited experience with them. How does the brain make and use inferences about the underlying statistics and generative structure of environments to guide behavior?

ABSTRACT ‒ UG3/UH3 Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), applied to areas like the subthalamic nucleus (STN), is a standard treatment for Parkinson Disease (PD), however, DBS has inherent surgical risks as well as potential for infections and adverse side effects.

PROJECT SUMMARY The world around us has a statistical structure that we can use to improve our choices. Learning the underlying structure by identifying key features, such as the rate of change, is useful for adapting and optimizing our decision-making strategies.