Personal profile
Research interests
Our lab focuses on theoretical and computational neuroscience. We investigate the fundamental principles underlying brain function, from sensing the environment to forming memories and making decisions. Since evolution and learning continuously shape the brain to optimize behavior, we view optimization as a powerful lens for uncovering these principles. Our theories generate normative predictions about how information is represented and processed in neural networks to support adaptive behavior across diverse environments. We integrate these theories with biophysically grounded models and neural data, aiming to build unified frameworks that bridge computational, algorithmic, and implementational levels. Ultimately, understanding the principles of neural coding is essential for gaining insight into brain dysfunction in disease.
Available to Mentor:
- PhD Students
- Undergraduate Students
- High School Students
- Postdocs
- Post-Baccalaureate Students
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Connectivity and dynamics in the olfactory bulb
Chen Kersen, D. E., Tavoni, G. & Balasubramanian, V., Feb 2022, In: PLoS computational biology. 18, 2, e1009856.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access8 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
Human inference reflects a normative balance of complexity and accuracy
Tavoni, G., Doi, T., Pizzica, C., Balasubramanian, V. & Gold, J. I., Aug 2022, In: Nature Human Behaviour. 6, 8, p. 1153-1168 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access12 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
Cortical feedback and gating in odor discrimination and generalization
Tavoni, G., Kersen, D. E. C. & Balasubramanian, V., Oct 1 2021, In: PLoS computational biology. 17, 10, p. e1009479Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access4 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
What is optimal in optimal inference?
Tavoni, G., Balasubramanian, V. & Gold, J. I., Oct 2019, In: Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences. 29, p. 117-126 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
7 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations -
Erratum: Correction: A Mixture of Delta-Rules Approximation to Bayesian Inference in Change-Point Problems (PLoS computational biology (2013) 9 7 (e1003150))
Wilson, R. C., Nassar, M. R., Tavoni, G. & Gold, J. I., Jun 1 2018, In: PLoS computational biology. 14, 6, p. e1006210Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Open Access5 Link opens in a new tab Scopus citations