Research
QUESTIONS
The ability of the brain to learn from and remember experiences lies at the heart of our existence and individuality. Disorders of memory represent a huge challenge to society. The goal of our lab is to decipher the neural codes underlying learning and memory and to identify the physical basis of learning and memory. Our main questions are:
1. What are the learning rules of brain circuits? For instance, what kinds of activity trigger the encoding and storage of information?
2. How are the learning rules implemented? For instance, where is the information stored?
3. Ultimately can we infer the memories from mapping the neural functional connectivity patterns?
APPROACHES
Addressing these questions requires understanding the language the brain uses to speak to itself, the little electrical impulses of neurons. We have worked on developing and applying high-precision all-optical technologies for simultaneously mapping and controlling membrane potential in specific neurons within the intact brain. We continue to develop and apply these cutting-edge technologies and integrate them with behavioral, molecular, and computational approaches to understand how the brain encodes, stores, and recalls information.
News
Kohl presents at SfN (2025-11)
Kohl presented a poster at SfN that attracted a large crowd. Check out the photos.
Congrats to Adrienne (2025-11)
Congratulations to Adrienne for passing her qualification exams. Her committee members gave her ‘a big thumbs up’! Great job, Adrienne!
Comings and goings (2025-11)
Welcome to postdoc Miranda Dawson! Miranda just finished her PhD in Biological Engineering at MIT. Welcome to rotation students Valerie Tan and Niveda Kasthuri from the HST program. We also had a bubble tea farewell party for Qing; thank you for your contributions to the lab!
Award (2025-10)
Linlin received a NARSAD Young Investigator Award. Many thanks to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation for their support!
Welcome to Xingyu and Xiuzhi (2025-08)
Xingyu Chen from Johns Hopkins University joins us as a new technical associate. Xiuzhi Dai from the BCS program joins us for a rotation. Welcome both!
Fellowships and Awards (2025-07)
Kohl receives the Neuroimaging Training Program Fellowship!
Qing receives a Simons Postdoctoral Fellowship!
Navid receives a Spot Award, which recognizes ‘exceptional contributions by individuals in our Picower community’!
Roshni receives the HEALS SuperUROP funding! Congratulations to all!
Welcome to Kevin and Joon (2025-07)
Kevin Chen from Johns Hopkins University joins us as a new postdoc. Joon Kim from Harvard Medical School joins us as a visiting student. Welcome both!
New graduate student (2025-05)
Kohl officially joins the lab. Hooray!
Award (2025-04)
Linlin received a Searle Scholar Award from the Kinship Foundation. Many thanks to the Kinship Foundation for their support!
Archive
Join us?
We are always looking for passionate people to join us.
We are committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists.