Description of Research Expertise

KEY WORDS:
Neural simulation; neuromodulation; image understanding

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Computational neuroscience and neuroengineering

RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Computer simulations; mathematical modelling; visual psychophysics


RESEARCH SUMMARY
There are two major foci of my research: the computational mechanisms underlying visual perception, and applications of neuroengineering to neurological disease. We are pursuing a number of projects in each area using computer simulation, mathematical analysis, and psychophysical testing. These projects illustrate the two-way traffic of ideas in neuroengineering.
A defining aspect of biological vision is the ability to integrate information from multiple processes, from edge extraction to object recognition. We have developed models of a number of these processes, and are interested in how they can be integrated based on the principles of cortical connectivity. Problems of current interest include the neural representation of perceptual salience and mechanisms of visual recognition.

The ability to relate computational studies to problems of clinical interest requires an explanation at the cellular and molecular levels. We are developing models of hippocampus, striatrum and prefrontal cortex with application to epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.