Uncovering causal networks for human skills
Our ability to function as independent individuals relies upon a set of complex but fundamental skills. These skills enable us to perform simple tasks, such as selecting safe and efficient motor actions and navigating, to more complex tasks such as making decisions, managing finances, and planning our tasks for the day, week and future. These rely on the processing and integration of information we receive from our senses, from our past memories, our goals and motivations, expedited by efficient neural networks, that have developed through learning.
The multi-modal nature of these skills makes it a scientific challenge to uncover their core neural correlates. Uncovering their core neural substrates will not only allow us to find out how and when these skills may fail in aging and disease, but is also key to identifying therapeutic targets.
As such, I am interested in uncovering the causal neural correlates for a complex and crucial ability, that is episodic memory, using advanced neuroimaging methods combined with non-invasive brain stimulation, that is able to make causal inferences.
