Brown University


Neuroscience Department

Donoghue Lab


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Research

Theoretical Neuroscience
Stochastic Models of Neural Representation, Computation and Dynamics
Cortical Sensory-Motor Control
Brain Machine Interfaces - Neural Prostheses
 

I work on the application of stochastic processes theory to the modeling of neural ensemble representation, computation and dynamics in the cortex. The development of stochastic models aims at understanding how the activity of neural ensembles relates to their own past history (intrinsic dynamics), the activity of other ensembles, and extrinsic covariates (or transformation of those) such as external stimuli and movement parameters. I am interested in both the modeling and statistical inference aspects.

In particular, I am applying these methods and models to understand how cortical neural ensemble activity is involved in the control of arm movements. 

This is done by studying neural activity recorded from multi-electrode arrays chronically implanted in the primary motor (MI) and parietal (5d) cortices of behaving monkeys performing visuomotor tasks.

Electrophysiological recordings of these two directly connected cortical areas offer the opportunity to look at both local ensemble computations and inter-area coordination in sensori-motor control.