By working with animals, humans, and computational models, our team aims to uncover the neuronal-basis of adaptive and maladaptive decision making, learning, and cognition, and to reverse engineer the complex internal states that give rise to psychiatric disorders.

We are especially interested in the neurobiology of (i) risky decision-making under uncertainty, (ii) exploration and novelty-seeking, (iii) appetitive and aversive learning, and (iv) curiosity.

We wish to discover how such sophisticated cognitive behaviors are controlled in health and disease.

In terms of techniques, the laboratory combines cutting-edge large-scale neurophysiology, circuit-mapping, and causal circuit-disruption approaches in non-human primates and mice. We also regularly perform human behavioral experiments, and utilize computational methods, aiming to understand the algorithms agents employ to adaptively (or maladaptively) control cognitive behaviors.

Modern neuroscience spans systems, computational, and molecular approaches. Therefore, to improve our chances of making important discoveries we utilize a wide range of techniques and are always open to collaborate with and train students with a wide range of skill sets such as neuroscience, biology, engineering, computer science, economics, or/and psychology. 

• Lab Website

OCD, psychiatry, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, cognitive neuroscience