Members & Research

An animal's behavior is encoded in the structure and function of its neural network. We aim at understanding the neural representation of animal behavior by studying navigational behavior in the nematode C. elegans, which instantiates a diversity of computational processes carried out by its neural network. We are undertaking a biophysical investigation of worm brain and behavior to better understand processes such as formation and retrieval of memory, multimodal sensory integration and decision-making. This work includes studies of thermotaxis, electrotaxis and barotaxis. We quantify the worm’s behavioral responses to defined stimuli and quantifying and manipulating the activity of neurons using optical methods. By linking patterns in behavior to patterns in neural activity, we are understanding how neurons give rise to thought and action in a simple model organism.