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NACS' Maryland Neuroimaging Center (MNC)Made possible by a $2 million award from the NSF, the MNC will house a new fMRI scanner and the University's existing MEG, a combination that exists at only a couple of locations in the country. The center opens in Summer 2011. | Learn More | |
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| Name | Research | Affiliations |
Abshire, Pamela |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Hardware Modeling/Robotics, Theory/Modeling, Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : Biotechnology, Channel capacity and efficiency of blowfly photoreceptors, Channel capacity and efficiency of silicon photoreceptors, Fundamental limits on switching energy of the CMOS inverter, Silicon-On-Sapphire (SOS) Photodetectors |
|
Aloimonos, Yiannis |
Areas : Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Summary : The research of Professor Aloimonos is devoted to the principles governing the design and analysis of real-time systems that possess perceptual capabilities, for the purpose of both explaining animal vision and designing seeing machines. |
Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, UMD |
Anderson, Michael |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Philosophy/Foundations, Theory/Modeling | |
Aranda-Espinoza, Helim |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology, Theory/Modeling Summary : We are mainly concerned with the spreading, motility and division of cells on flexible substrates. What is the effect of the "mechanical" environment on cells? |
|
Araneda, Ricardo |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Neurophysiology Summary : In most animals the sense of smell is essential for their survival. For instance, the detection and recognition of odor molecules by the olfactory system allows animals to find sources of food, to detect the presence of predators, and ultimately to find potential mates. Using a combination of imaging and electrophysiology recording techniques, our lab studies how the neuronal circuits of the olfactory bulb participate in the processing of olfactory information. |
Department of Biology, UMD |
Bandettini, Peter A. |
National Institute of Mental Health |
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Bolger, Donald J. |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science, Human Development, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging Summary : The core of my research focuses on key issues of reading from a neurobiological, cognitive, and educational perspective. The primary goal of my research is to understand brain development with respect to reading and language and how impairment and remediation are reflected in cortex. From school-based and cross-sectional paradigms to adult training tasks, my work combines innovative and complex methodologies in functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and event-related potentials (ERP) with developmental and behavioral research. |
|
Borgia, Gerald |
Areas : Neuroethology Approach : Animal Behavior Summary : Dr. Borgia is interested in the evolution of complex adaptations. The focus of most of his research has been the study of mate choice, sexual competition, and the evolution of display. |
Department of Biology,UMD |
Braun, Allen |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging Summary : The Language Section utilizes multimodal neuroimaging techniques to a variety of interrelated ends: To use state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques, including PET, functional MRI, high density EEG, to characterize cerebral activity in the normal brain and in patients with neurological disorders affecting voice, speech and language. To provide tools necessary to translate these relatively nonspecific findings into the domain of neurochemistry though the development of novel ligands. To explore the use of neuroimaging techniques as adjuncts in genetic studies. To utilize neuroimaging methods in studies of the evolution of language. |
NIDCD |
Brauth, Steven E. |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuroethology Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Neuroanatomy, Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : My research interests include neuroethology and brain evolution focusing on the auditory and motor systems. |
Department of psychology,UMD |
Brenowitz, Stephan |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Molecular/Cell Biology, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology Summary : The Section on Synaptic Transmission investigates the synaptic and biophysical mechanisms that enable neurons to encode and process information. Specifically, we study mechanisms that enable computations in neural circuits of the auditory system. The general question we address is how local circuit interactions shape a neuron's response to physiologically realistic patterns of synaptic inputs, thereby encoding relevant features of sounds. Our experimental approach combines electrophysiology and optical techniques to study synaptic transmission and plasticity in the cochlear nucleus and auditory brainstem. These studies contribute to our understanding of how sensory stimuli are represented by neuronal activity and will enable improvements in treatment of hearing disorders. |
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Burgess, Shawn |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Auditory Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : Dr. Burgess' Laboratory studies developmental processes and their relation to human genetic disease. His group employs a variety of modern molecular biology methods to identify and functionally characterize novel developmental genes involved in organogenesis of the ear and maintenance of stem cell populations. |
|
Butts, Daniel A. |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling Summary : The NeuroTheory Lab at University of Maryland operates at the interface of neuroscience experiment and theory, using experiments performed by collaborators to ground and validate conceptual frameworks and analytical methodology, and theory to guide experiment design and analysis. Our projects are largely focused on the visual system, where we are studying visual computation in the context of simulated "natural vision" experiments across multiple visual areas (retina, LGN, cortex). There are also projects in other areas including the auditory system, as well as studying synaptic plasticity and brain development. A key component of these projects is the study of how the computations performed by neurons explicitly use time: for example in the temporal patterns of spikes, the relationship to brain rhythms, and particular patterns of activity across neurons. |
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Carleton, Karen |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology, Theory/Modeling Summary : Evolution of visual systems and visual communication: genetics of visual system tuning; physical modeling of color signals and visual discrimination. African cichlid fishes serve as a model to explore how natural and sexual selection drive communication. Evolution of rod and cone phototransduction: tuning photoreceptor responsivity through evolution of protein structure and gene expression. A comparative genomic approach utilizing a diversity of vertebrates including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and agnathans. |
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Carlson, Thomas |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : My general research interests are in object recognition and visual attention. Current research in my lab seeks to address the following questions: How do we recognize objects under natural viewing conditions? How are we able to dynamically track moving objects? And, how does the brain's representation of external objects interact with the brain's representation of our body. |
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Carr, Catherine |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuroethology Level : Systems Neuroscience, Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Animal Behavior, Neurophysiology, Neuroanatomy, Theory/Modeling Summary : Current research is focused both on models of delay line-coincidence detector circuit, and on the assembly of the map of sound location during development of the barn owl. All projects develop from initial behavioral observations into systems, cellular and molecular levels of analysis. |
Department of Biology, UMD |
Carruthers, Peter |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Philosophy/Foundations Summary : His primary research interests for most of the last decade have been in the philosophy of psychology. He has worked especially on theories of consciousness and on the role of natural language in human cognition. But he has also published on such issues as: the nature and status of our folk psychology; nativism and modularity; theories of intentional content, and defence of a notion of narrow content for psychological explanation; and issues to do with evolutionary psychology and cognitive architecture. Before coming to College Park he was at the University of Sheffield (UK), where he had a spell as Head of Department and was Director of the Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies. (He continues to be connected with the latter through his involvement in a large three-year interdisciplinary research project on "Innateness and the Structure of the Mind".) In a previous incarnation he trained as a Wittgensteinian, and published a couple of monographs on Wittgenstein's Tractatus. |
Department of Philosophy, UMD |
Cassidy, Jude |
Areas : Human Development Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : Her interest is in socioemotional development with specific emphasis on attachment. |
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Castonguay, Thomas |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Neurophysiology, Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : I am interested in the mechanisms that control food intake and body composition. In particular, my research focuses on how glucoregulation is achieved and how dietary obesity can be explained in part as a failure of glucoregulation. |
Nutrition & Food Science (NFSC), UMD |
Chadwick, Richard |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience Summary : The aim of the Section on Auditory Mechanics is to improve basic understanding of the auditory periphery through the combined use of mathematical modeling of cochlear macro-, micro-, and nanomechanics together with structural, biophysical, and physiological data. |
NIDCD |
Chen, Shuo |
Areas : Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging Summary : Statistical modeling for neuroimaging data; machine learning; Bayesian methods; spatial temporal modeling; connectivity analysis. |
|
Clark, Jane |
Areas : Human Development, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Approach : Animal Behavior, Brain Imaging, Neurophysiology Summary : Dr.Clark's work focuses on understanding the development of movement control and coordination in motor skills. Her current work examines the role of sensory information in the development of upright posture and locomotion in infants. She also has an on-going project to study perception-action relationships with children who have motor coordination problems. |
Department of Kinesiology, UMD |
Clark, Pamela I. |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : I am a tobacco control scientist, doing abuse liability assessment of various alternative tobacco/nicotine products (hookah, snus, high smoke pH cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, electronic cigarettes). My team uses machine-smoking to generate and analyze the smoke chemistry and particle distribution, and compare it with human testing. Our main tools for the work with humans is EEG and evoked potentials. |
|
Cohen, Avis |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Animal Behavior, Theory/Modeling, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Hardware Modeling/Robotics Summary : My colleagues and I study an isolated piece of the nervous system, but an isolated piece that can perform a "behavior." In particular, we study the isolated spinal cord of a primitive vertebrate, the lamprey. The work is focused on the mechanisms underlying the generation of an organized motor behavior, locomotion. |
Department of Biology, UMD |
Cohen, Ethan D. |
Summary : I currently have a lab that works on visual prosthetic devices for the blind (both molecular- or electrical stimulation- based) at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health in the Food and Drug Administration at White Oak. |
|
Cohen, Leonardo G. |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Foundations of Cognitive Science, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Hardware Modeling/Robotics, Human Behavior, Neurophysiology Summary : The goal of our activity is to understand the mechanisms underlying plastic changes in the human central nervous system and to develop novel therapeutic approaches for recovery of function based on these advances. We utilize transcranial magnetic (TMS)and DC (tDCS) stimulation, fMRI, TMS in combination with fMRI, MR spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), PET scanning and magnetoencephalography (MEG) alone or in combination with brain computer interfaces (BCI). We investigate mechanisms of human plasticity in healthy volunteers and the impact in treatment of patients with stroke. |
HCPS, NINDS, NIH |
Coleman, Linda K. |
Areas : Speech and Language Summary : Rhetoric and Composition; Linguistics |
|
Corbin, Joshua |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : My lab is interested in the genetic and cellular basis of development of the mammalian amygdala in both normal and pathological conditions. Despite an extensive understanding of amygdala function and anatomy, currently little is known regarding the development of this complex structure and how misdevelopment contributes to human neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and autism spectrum disorders. Using techniques of modern mouse genetics and mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders, we are examining the genetic and cellular processes underlying the generation of amygdala neuronal cell diversity and functional connectivity. The ultimate goal of these studies is to understand the link between brain developmental events and the assembly of the mature amygdala at a genetic, cellular, structural, and functional level. |
|
Cunningham, Lisa |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : Our research focuses on the mechanosensory hair cells that are the receptor cells of hearing and balance. We are interested in the molecular signals that regulate the survival, homeostasis, and death of these cells. Human hair cells must survive and function for up to a century in order to transduce sound energy into the neural signals of hearing. During this time, the hair cell may encounter multiple toxic stimuli, including excessive sound and/or exposure to therapeutic drugs with ototoxic side effects. We are examining the signals that mediate the survival and death of hair cells under stress. Our studies indicate that heat shock protein (HSP) induction is a critical stress response that can promote survival of hair cells exposed to major stressors. Our studies are broadly divided into two groups: 1) those aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of HSPs and 2) those aimed at translating our findings into clinical therapies to prevent or reverse hearing loss. |
|
De Claris, Nicholas |
Areas : Network Models and Pattern Recognition Summary : Dr. DeClaris' research interests are in the areas of system science, computer engineering, and medical science and practice. |
Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Pathology, UMD |
Depireux, Didier |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Network Models and Pattern Recognition, Speech and Language Level : Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Animal Behavior, Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling Summary : With grant support from DoD, we measure the changes, at the level of the activity of single neurons over many weeks, correlated with the induction of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) following noise trauma. Specifically, the research uses behavioral measures to verify the emergence of tinnitus post-trauma, chronic electrode arrays to measure and compare the activity of large populations of single neurons before and after induction of tinnitus, and post-mortem immunocytochemical methods to uncover permanent changes in the brain. The Ear Lab wants to explore new drug delivery or stimulation methods that might prevent the induction of, or provide relief from, tinnitus, a common affliction that has received very little scientific attention until recently. |
|
Dien, Joseph |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging Summary : Dr. Joseph Dien is a senior research scientist in the Cognitive Neuroscience area at CASL. His area of expertise is hemispheric asymmetry, with a focus on the interactions between attention, emotion, and language. His research is guided by the Janus model (Dien, 2008), that the left hemisphere is focused on anticipating the future and the right hemisphere is focused on responding to the (recent) past. He uses both event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine these issues. He has also been publishing methodology papers on the use of advanced multivariate statistics for improving the source localization of ERPs. |
CASL |
Dooling, Robert |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuroethology Summary : My areas of research include hearing and vocal communication in birds, and comparative aspects of hearing and animal behavior. |
Department of Psychology, UMD |
Dorr, Bonnie |
Summary : Research interests include broadscale multilingual processing, interlingual machine translation, summarization, linguistically-informed statistical models. |
Department of Computer Science, UMD |
Dougherty, Lea R. |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Human Development Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Human Behavior, Molecular/Cell Biology, Neurophysiology Summary : Dr. Dougherty's research interests lie broadly in the examination of the etiology and course of depression from a developmental, life-span perspective. Within this domain, her research focuses on two areas: (1) an examination of the developmental origins of neuroendocrine dysfunction in depression, which includes examining linkages between possible endophenotypes for mood disorder and specific genotypes; and (2) understanding the phenomenology of depression in preschoolers and establishing empirically-based assessment approaches for depression, and other mood disorders, in very young children. |
|
Dougherty, Michael |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : My research is focused on understanding the cognitive, motivational, and affective components of hypothesis generation and human judgment. The primary thesis underlying my research is that hypothesis generation processes serve as the lynchpin for understanding and interpreting information in the natural environment, for evaluating the probability of various hypotheses, and for searching for information in the environment to test hypotheses. Addressing this thesis requires an integration of work from long-term memory, working memory, visual attention, and judgment and decision making. |
Department of Psychology, UMD |
Drayna, Dennis |
Summary : The Section on Systems Biology of Communication Disorders is focused on identifying genetic variation in the molecular components of human communication systems. Our primary tools are genetic linkage and positional cloning studies, used to identify genes responsible for communication disorders in humans, including disorders of auditory pitch recognition, deficits in the human sense of bitter taste, and the speech disorder of stuttering. |
NIDCD |
Dunbar, Kevin |
Summary : Thinking, Reasoning, and problem solving in complex domains such as science; Analogical Reasoning, Causal Reasoning, Inductive, Deductive, and Distributed Reasoning; Gender and science; Brain mechanisms or reasoning; Development of Scientific Thinking |
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Faroqi Shah, Yasmeen |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Neuroanatomy, Philosophy/Foundations Summary : At the Aphasia Research Center we study language production and comprehension of individuals with aphasia using methods such as language analysis, reaction time measures, grammaticality judgments, and treatment efficacy. In particular, we are interested in the following issues: What neural mechanisms are involved in the processing and production of verb inflections and sentences (both in normal and aphasic individuals, using magnetoencephalography)? Why do some individuals with aphasia experience difficulty in producing verb inflections? Do these individuals have parallel deficits in comprehending verb inflections? What variables, if any, influence the production of verb inflections in aphasic individuals? Do aphasic individuals experience difficulties in encoding and/or expressing temporal information? Why do some aphasic individuals experience difficulties in sentence production? How can findings from psycholinguistic literature aid in designing treatment programs for aphasic individuals? |
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Feldman, Naomi H. |
Level : Cognitive Science Summary : My research uses computational and behavioral methods to look at how people learn and process language. I'm most interested in speech perception and early language acquisition, especially the relationship between phonetic category learning, phonological development, and perceptual changes during infancy. |
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Fermuller, Cornelia |
Summary : My research is in Computational Vision. I am studying from a computational point of view the processes involved in interpreting images. Most of my work has been concerned with obtaining information from video sequences and stereo images. Within this area I have worked on many problems, including the computation of image motion, three-dimensional motion estimation, reconstruction and shape estimation, and segmentation of the scene. There are many areas of technological applications for this research; I have worked on video data bases, robotic navigation and surveillance. My recent efforts have been on the design of new camera systems exploiting multiple views. |
|
Fox, Nathan |
Areas : Human Development Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : My research centers on the effects of early experience on brain development with special emphasis on the prefrontal cortex. I am interested in social and emotional development and study human infants and young children using electrophysiology(EEG and ERP). |
Human Development, UMD |
Friedman, Thomas |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Summary : The goal of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics is to identify, clone and characterize the genes that contribute to communication disorders. The Laboratory of Molecular Genetics has three sections, the Section on Human Genetics, the Section on Gene Structure and Function, and the Section on Murine Genetics. The Section on Human Genetics is studying the genes responsible for hereditary hearing impairment. Improved understanding of the mutated genes will provide important information on hearing and brain processing. The identification of the relevant genes will also permit early and more accurate diagnosis for certain forms of hereditary hearing and communication impairments. |
NIDCD |
Fritz, Jonathan |
Summary : Task-related adaptive plasticity in auditory processing; neurobiology of auditory perception and memory |
|
Gallo, Vittorio |
Summary : My current and future research interests are in the fields of developmental neuroscience and in nervous system disease. They include: i) neurogenesis and gliogenesis; ii) oligodendrocyte development and myelination; iii) glial signaling; and iv) regulation of glial ionic channels during brain development. My laboratory uses an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that includes molecular biology and genetics, cellular neurobiology and electrophysiology. We are combining experiments performed in different types of neural cell cultures with studies performed in transgenic mice in vivo. |
Center for Neuroscience, CHNMC |
Geller, Herbert |
Summary : Research in the Geller laboratory is concerned with understanding the mechanisms that control neuronal migration, pathfinding and growth, both during neural development and in order to stimulate regeneration after injury. These experiments utilize cell biological, molecular biological, immunological and physiological techniques. |
NIH |
Gentili, Rodolphe |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration, Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling, Hardware Modeling/Robotics Summary : Dr. Gentili's research focuses on the neural and computational principles underlying (overt, covert) sensorimotor performance and learning in Human, allowing then, a future implementation of similar principles for adaptive control of anthropomorphic robotic systems. |
School of Public Health, Department of Kinesiology, UMD |
Glasper, Erica |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Brain Imaging, Molecular/Cell Biology, Neuroanatomy, Neuroanatomy Summary : How does experience change the structure of the brain? Are the functions of the brain mediated by changes in structural plasticity? Can rewarding experiences protect the aging brain? My laboratory aims to answer these and other related questions by investigating structural plasticity in the adult and aging brain, its alteration by experiences and hormones, with a view toward understanding their functional relevance. To do so, my research focuses on the interactions among rewarding experiences, hippocampal structural plasticity, and hippocampal function. My specific research interests include: (1) examining the interactions among age, rewarding experiences, and hippocampal structural plasticity and function, and (2) examining how paternal experience alters hippocampal structural plasticity and function in a biparental species, the California mouse. My laboratory focuses on adult neurogenesis; dendritic spine alterations; social, cognitive, and emotional behaviors. |
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Gordon-Salant, Sandra |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : My research program is concerned primarily with normal aspects of human aging in relation to auditory function and risk factors that contribute to apparent age-related hearing loss. |
Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, UMD |
Goupell, Matthew |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Human Development, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : We perform psychoacoustical tasks on normal-hearing individuals and those with cochlear-implants to ask questions about binaural hearing, speech understanding, pitch processing, etc. We make computational neural models in an attempt to explain our data and further the understanding of auditory neural processing. |
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Grant, Kenneth W. |
Summary : Dr. Grant's research has been concerned primarily with the integration of eye and ear for speech perception in both normal and hearing-impaired populations using behavioral and neurophysiological measures. Current work in this area is focused on changes in cognitive load as a result of combining auditory and visual cues and the impact of age, hearing loss, and traumatic brain injury on one's ability to selectively attend to one or more targets in the presence of multiple competing auditory and visual sourves. In addition to his research on auditory-visual speech processing, Dr. Grant and colleagues at Walter Reed, and the Electrical Engineering and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Departments at the University of Maryland, College Park have been applying models of auditory processing to hearing-aid algorithm selection. |
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Griffith, Andrew |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Approach : Human Behavior Summary : We are characterizing the structure and function of genes and mutations associated with hereditary disorders causing sensorineural hearing loss, including syndromic disorders with craniofacial or thyroid abnormalities. We utilize genetic and other molecular approaches to study both human and mouse models for these disorders. A variety of techniques, including in situ hybridization, are used to analyze gene expression. |
NIDCD, NIH |
Hacquard, Valentine |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging Summary : Semantics (modality, aspect, propositional attitudes, degree constructions), Syntax/Semantics and Semantics/Pragmatics Interfaces, Neurolinguistics, Acquisition of Semantics |
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Hallett, Mark |
Summary : The general mission of the Human Motor Control Section is to understand the physiology of normal human voluntary movement and the pathophysiology of different movement disorders. The members of the Section work together on the different projects, each bringing special expertise to the tasks. The main techniques employed are transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and other techniques of clinical neurophysiology. The principal diseases studied are dystonia, Parkinson's disease, cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus, essential tremor, tic, psychogenic movement disorders and startle disorders. |
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Hatfield, Bradley |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration, Human Development Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : The focus of Dr. Hatfield's program in exercise and sport psychology deals with both the health-related and performance-related aspects of humans in exercise/sport settings. |
Department of Kinesiology, UMD |
Herberholz, Jens |
Areas : Neuroethology Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Brain Imaging, Neurophysiology, Neuroanatomy Summary : Research in my lab investigates the neural basis of animal behavior. We are interested in identifying and examining neural circuitry that controls aggression, social status, escape, learning & memory. |
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Hodos, William |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Neuroanatomy Summary : My current research interests are in the evolution of the nervous system and behavior, comparative psychology, neural basis of sensory processes, animal psychophysics, and physiological optics. |
Department of Psychology, UMD |
Horiuchi, Timothy |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration, Neuroethology, Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Hardware Modeling/Robotics, Theory/Modeling Summary : Dr. Horiuchi's research program is centered on the development of neural models of sensorimotor behavior and their implementation in VLSI for use in robotic demonstration systems. The laboratory is currently focused on bat echolocation and other auditory and visual projects. |
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMD |
Hornstein, Norbert |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Theory/Modeling, Philosophy/Foundations Summary : I am currently working on the rethinking of binding phenomena in terms of move. I continue to work on issues in the theory of control and reflexivization but have also recently considered how to integrate bound pronominalization within a move-centered account. This work has a general minimalist flavor to it. However, at the level of implementational detail it differs in important ways from the work currently flying the minimalist banner. Indeed, it resonates more with earlier minimalist work of the mid 90s than with the most recent proposals of Chomsky (1998, 1999, 2000). |
Department of Linguistics, UMD |
Horwitz, Barry |
Summary : Current research focuses on understanding how the brain constructs networks of interacting regions (i.e., neural networks) to perform cognitive tasks, especially those associated with audition and language, and how these networks are altered in brain disorders. These issues are addressed by combining computational neuroscience techniques with functional neuroimaging data, obtained using fMRI, PET, or MEG. The network analysis methods allow us to evaluate how brain operations differ between tasks and between normal and patient populations. This research will allow us to ascertain which networks are dysfunctional, and the role neural plasticity plays in enabling compensatory behavior to occur. A unique aspect of our research is that most of the experiments we do are linked to our modeling, in that these experiments are performed to either acquire data for developing our models or else for testing them. |
NIDCD, NIH |
Huang, Yi Ting |
Areas : Human Development, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : Language development involves more than just learning words or syntactic rules. During this process, do children consistently generate the same kinds of interpretations as adults do? When they fail to do so, what do these differences reveal about nature of development? My research explores these questions by examining how the moment-to-moment changes that occur during language processing influence the year-to-year changes that emerge over the course of language development. This work relies on the use of eye-tracking, an innovative method that yields implicit and fine-grained measures of children's interpretation, and focuses on changes in development that occur during the early school-aged years. |
Hearing and Speech Sciences |
Idsardi, William J. |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : My research focuses on the mental representations and computations associated with speech. |
|
Israel, Michael |
Areas : Speech and Language, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Foundations of Cognitive Science Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Human Behavior, Philosophy/Foundations, Theory/Modeling Summary : Linguistics |
Department of English, UMD |
Jacobs, David |
Areas : Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Theory/Modeling Summary : My research has spanned a range of topics in vision. My primary focus has been on the problem of how to recognize objects in images. This is a central problem in vision that I find particularly fascinating because it lies between concrete, lower-level vision problems and central cognitive systems that attempt to tie semantics to the world. It is also a critical problem in many applications in multimedia and robotics. I have also done quite a bit of work in the computational and psychological study of perceptual organization. This is the lower level problem of how to identify the surfaces of potential objects before recognizing them. I see perceptual organization as integral to the recognition process, and in part my work attempts to show how these two problems can be unified. |
Department of Computer Science, UMD |
Jaeggi, Susanne M. |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Brain Imaging Summary : I investigate working memory and executive control in various contexts and across the lifespan with behavioral and neuroimaging methods. One of my research goals addresses working memory limitations. I aim to understand the behavioral as well as the neural consequences when performance is at capacity limits, and also, when capacity limits are exceeded. Further, I investigate whether and how working memory capacity can be improved and whether such improvements have generalizing effects to other cognitive domains. In these intervention studies, my goal is to determine the cognitive and neural mechanisms that underlie training-related changes. |
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Jiang, Nan |
Areas : Human Development, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : Nan Jiang studies adult second language acquisition and bilingual language processing from a cognitive perspective. His ongoing research projects concern topics such as bilingual lexical organization, language transfer, the automatization of linguistic knowledge, semantic development in second language acquisition. |
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Kachar, Bechara |
Summary : The Section on Cell Structure uses advanced microscopy imaging in combination with molecular and cell biology techniques to study mechano-sensory transduction in auditory and vestibular sensory organs. |
NIDCD, NIH |
Kanold, Patrick |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging, Hardware Modeling/Robotics, Molecular/Cell Biology, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling Summary : We are interested how experience in early life shapes brain function. Since neural circuits underlie brain function we analyze neural circuits in development but also in adult to understand how circuit differences can give rise to different abilities. By interfering with development, we aim to understand how disruption of early circuit function gives rise to neurological disease. To do this we use in vivo and in vitro physiological and imaging approaches such as single and multielectrode recordings, patch clamp recordings, laser-scanning photostimulation, 2-photon Ca-imaging of large networks, optogenetics, and computational modeling. |
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Kelley, Matthew |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Summary : The overall goals of the Unit on Developmental Neuroscience are to identify the molecular and cellular factors that play a role in the development of the sensory epithelium of the mammalian cochlea (the organ of Corti). The organ of Corti is comprised of at least 6 distinct cell types that are arranged in highly conserved mosaic. The generation of a specific number of each cell type and the arrangement of these cell types into a regular pattern are essential for the normal perception of sound; however, our understanding of the factors that play a role in the development of this structure is extremely limited. |
NIDCD, NIH |
Killen, Melanie |
Areas : Human Development Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : My research laboratory investigates social and moral cognition in children and adolescents. We study how children and adolescents evaluate straightforward and complex social and moral dilemmas and everyday issues, and how social experience is related to social cognition. In addition, we examine how culture influences social judgments, with collaborative projects in Korea, Japan, Israel, Jordan, Germany, Spain, and the U.K. Our topics include evaluations of racial exclusion, gender exclusion, intergroup bias, intergroup relationships, stereotypes, moral judgment, and social reasoning. |
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Krishnaprasad, P. S. |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Summary : Dr. Krishnaprasad's research interests lie in Mathematical Models in Biophysics, Control Theory, Legged Locomotion, Robotics, Collective Phenomena (flocking, swarming), Geometric Methods in Control Theory and in Data Analysis, Evolutionary Game Theory, Bat Echolocation and Flight Behavior, and Auditory Neuroscience. |
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UMD |
Lasnik, Howard |
Areas : Speech and Language, Foundations of Cognitive Science Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Theory/Modeling, Philosophy/Foundations Summary : Syntactic Theory; Logical Form; Learnability. |
Department of Linguistics, UMD |
Lau, Ellen |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : Cognitive neuroscience of language, using ERPs, MEG, and fMRI, with a special interest in predictive processing. Additional methodological focus on integrating data from multiple neuroimaging modalities. |
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Lejuez, Carl |
Summary : Dr. Lejuez' clinical and research interests focus on the development of ecologically valid laboratory analogues of addiction and their use to better understand the active ingredients of treatment. His most recent projects involve (1) the creation and validation of a behavioral task to predict adolescent risk-taking behaviors (e.g., drug use, unsafe sexual practices) and (2) the application of distress tolerance and behavioral activation strategies to smoking cessation. |
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Leopold, David |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science, Neuroethology Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Brain Imaging, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology Summary : My research combines electrophysiology and neuroimaging techniques to explore the large-scale organization of brain activity related to the establishment and maintenance of a visual percept. |
NIMH, NINDS, NEI |
Levine, William |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Summary : Dr. Levine's research interests are in the areas of application of modern control theory to the study of the nervous system's control of movement and; control theory and its applications with emphasis on computer aided control system design; application of computers and computation to network control; and applications of modern control and estimation theory to biomedical and aerospace problems. |
The Institute for Systems Research |
Lidz, Jeffrey |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : The relation between comparative syntax and first language acquisition. |
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Linck, Jared |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : My research program focuses on the role of domain-general cognitive control mechanisms in bilingual language processing and second language (L2) acquisition. I am interested in individual differences in L2 acquisition and L2 processing, and how these may be impacted by various factors including a learner's cognitive abilities (e.g., executive functions, implicit learning) and the context of learning (e.g., immersion learning vs. classroom learning). Much of my language processing research has focused on lexical access during comprehension and speech production in L2 learners, with a particular emphasis on the impact of various executive functions (e.g., inhibitory control, working memory capacity). In my work, I hope to expand our understanding of the interface between cognition and multilingual language processes. |
CASL |
MacLeod, Katrina |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Neuroethology Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling Summary : All information about an auditory scene is encoded in the auditory nerve, which projects to the cochlear nuclei in the brainstem. Cellular and synaptic specializations in the cochlear nucleus transforms and decodes the auditory signal and extracts different types of information. We use in vitro slice physiology and quantitative modeling of synaptic plasticity and biophysical membrane properties to elucidate how these neural circuits encode sound. |
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MacSwan, Jeff |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Theory/Modeling Summary : Dr. MacSwan is interested in the linguistic study of bilingual codeswitching, or language mixing. His work focuses on the analysis of linguistic phenomena within a constraint-free approach, with the intention of informing our understanding of the organization of the human language faculty in bilinguals. |
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Macko, Richard F. |
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McDonald, Craig |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology Summary : One line of research involves the study of the effects of adolescent nicotine exposure on neurocognitive functioning. I am specifically interested in evaluating whether executive control is compromised in individuals who smoke. I am also interested in understanding the neural processes linked to perceptual decision-making. Specifically, I am investigating how attentional processes enable appropriate behavioral control when perceptual discrimination is difficult. My research takes advantage of electroencephalographic (EEG) recording techniques to characterize the neural underpinnings of neurocognitive function and visual perception. |
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McSwan, Jeff |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Theory/Modeling Summary : Dr. MacSwan is interested in the linguistic study of bilingual codeswitching, or language mixing. His work focuses on the analysis of linguistic phenomena within a constraint-free approach, with the intention of informing our understanding of the organization of the human language faculty in bilinguals. |
Department of Education |
Miller, Ross |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : Dr. Miller studies the biomechanics and motor control of human locomotion using principles from optimal control theory and a combination of theoretical modeling (forward and inverse dynamics) and in vivo experiments (motion capture, force measurement, electromyography, calorimetry). He is interested in optimality criteria for "normal" human walking (i.e. why humans walk the way we) and how neuromuscular control affects joint loading and injury potential. |
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Moss, Cynthia |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuroethology, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Animal Behavior, Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling Summary : Our research program is directed at understanding auditory information processing and sensorimotor integration in vertebrates. In our lab, the echolocating bat serves as a model system for a neuroethologically-based study of hearing and perceptually-guided behavior. |
Institute for Systems Research, ISR |
Newcomb, Robert |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Summary : Dr. Newcomb's interests lie in analog VLSI, biomedical engineering especially ear type systems and heart models), circuit and systems theory (especially semistate theory and multiport synthesis), microsystems, neural networks (hardware & biologically motivated), robotics. |
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Newman, Rochelle |
Areas : Human Development, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : My research focuses on speech perception, word recognition, and language acquisition. More specifically, I am interested in questions such as how the brain recognizes words from fluent speech, the time course over which different stages of speech processing occur, and how listeners (especially infants) separate different streams of speech that occur at the same time. |
CASL |
Norman, Kent |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Foundations of Cognitive Science Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : His interests are in cognitive psychology, judgment and decision making, and cyberpsychology. Cyberpsychology includes the study of psychological issues at the intersection of human behavior and computer technologies including the Internet, social computing, human-computing, and mobile computing. Current research involves the cognitive aspects human/computer interaction, interface design, usability testing, online surveys and experiments, menu navigation, and the assessment of user satisfaction to frustration and computer rage. In addition, Dr. Norman is interested in the design of electronic educational environments for collaborative learning and the construction of knowledge. |
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Novick, Jared |
Areas : Human Development, Foundations of Cognitive Science, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Neurophysiology Summary : My research seeks to understand the human computational system that supports the real-time interpretation and reinterpretation of sentences. In particular, central to revising initial processing commitments is 'cognitive control.' Cognitive control refers to the regulation of mental activity to guide and support flexible behavior, enabling individuals to bias the selection of appropriate over inappropriate information during goal-directed tasks. Data from behavioral, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological studies suggest shared mechanisms in prefrontal cortex (PFC) that support regulatory functions across a range of tasks, including working memory, attention, and language processing. Using a multiple-method approach, my research asks whether a cardinal function of PFC-supported cognitive control is to override early misinterpretations during sentence processing to prevent comprehension failure. |
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O'Rourke, Polly |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Neurophysiology Summary : My area of expertise is in the neural basis of morpho-syntactic processing as examined using the event related potential (ERP) technique. Specifically, much of my research as dealt with the processing of syntactic gender information by native speakers of Spanish. More generally, I'm interested in studying both syntactic and lexicon-semantic processing as a means of improving understanding of the classic language-related potentials (the LAN, N400 and P600). I'm interested in the neural underpinnings of both L1 and L2 processing, as well as the effects and sources of individual variability. |
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Oliveira, Marcio A. |
Areas : Human Development Approach : Human Behavior, Neurophysiology Summary : Dr. Oliveira's research focuses on the developmental changes in a neural network, the so-called mirror neuron system (MNS), which is thought to be involved in action understanding and production during early experience. He also has ongoing projects that seeks to characterize the developmental process of finger force control and understand changes in the neuromechanical variables as motor control develops. |
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Ottinger, Mary Ann |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Neuroethology Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Cognitive Science Approach : Animal Behavior, Molecular/Cell Biology, Neuroanatomy Summary : My lab focuses on the comparative biology of aging, with studies in short- and long-lived birds, transgenic mice, and non-human primates. We are particularly interested in neuroendocrine regulation of endocrine and behavioral aspects of reproduction and on the impact of the neuropathology of Alzheimer's Disease on cognitive function. Our research considers molecular mechanisms, cellular and system processes, and responses at the level of the whole organism. We also are very involved in assessing the consequences of exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors at all stages of the life cycle in birds. |
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Paley, Derek |
Areas : Neuroethology Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Animal Behavior, Hardware Modeling/Robotics, Theory/Modeling Summary : My research is in the general area of nonlinear dynamics and control, with emphasis on spatial modeling of biological groups, adaptive sampling with mobile networks, and motion coordination of autonomous vehicles. I am also interested in studying how fish use motion coordination to transmit information nonverbally. |
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Payne, Richard |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : Dr. Payne investigates mechanisms of visual excitation in photoreceptors. The research concentrates on messenger molecules released by light inside photoreceptor cells. |
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Perlis, Donald |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Philosophy/Foundations, Theory/Modeling Summary : I am a member of the Artificial Intelligence Group at the University of Maryland. I study various aspects of commonsense reasoning, including the related areas of cognitive modeling and philosophy of mind and language. An ongoing project of my research team (Active Logic, Metacognitive Computation, and Mind) is the use of time-situated metacognitive computation for enhanced flexibility and generality of reasoning. |
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Pessoa, Luiz |
Summary : I employ behavioral and functional MRI methods to study cognition and emotion (as manipulated, for instance, via the threat of shock), with an emphasis on the interactions between cognitive and emotional brain systems. In a similar way, I also study interactions between cognition and motivation (as manipulated, for instance, via cash reward). An additional focus of my research centers on the development of statistical and computational tools for the analysis of fMRI data, particularly methods to link moment-to-moment fluctuations in behavior to single-trial brain responses. |
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Phillips, Colin |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Theory/Modeling, Human Behavior Summary : My research combines theoretical linguistics with language processing, language acquisition and neurolinguistics, with a focus on how the human mind/brain makes rapid and effortless language understanding possible. |
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Pick, Leslie |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : How does a complex organism, composed of numerous differentiated cell types and integrated organ systems, develop from a fertilized egg? We are using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system to address this fundamental question of developmental biology. Our studies probe basic mechanisms underlying pattern formation, determination, differentiation and morphogenesis in animal development. |
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Popper, Arthur N. |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuroethology Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology Summary : The work in this laboratory is directed at understanding basic structure and function of the auditory system in vertebrates, with particular interest in the ear of fishes and its sensory hair cells. These investigations frequently involve a wide number of teleost species and the use of the comparative approach in order to understand the function of the ear as well as its evolution. |
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Porter, Tom |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : Our research interests center on the endocrine regulation of growth and metabolism. Our work has focused on cellular differentiation of the anterior pituitary gland during chick embryonic development. |
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Quinlan, Elizabeth |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Neuroethology Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology, Neurophysiology Summary : We are interested in understanding how the brain is modified by experience, particularly during the maturation of sensory systems and during learning. Experience-dependent regulation of brain function ultimately lies in changes in the composition and function of synapses, the points of contact between neurons. We use a multidisciplinary approach (biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology and behavior) to study the molecular mechanisms of experience-dependent synaptic plasticity in the mammalian cerebral cortex. |
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Ratner, Nan Bernstein |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : We are currently investigating the origins of stuttering by analyzing the abilities and behaviors of children within three months of stuttering onset. |
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Redcay, Elizabeth |
Areas : Human Development, Foundations of Cognitive Science, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging, Hardware Modeling/Robotics, Human Behavior, Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : My research examines the development and neural bases of communicative behaviors (e.g. joint attention, theory of mind, social interaction, language) and the interactions between these processes in both typical individuals and individuals with autism (a developmental disorder characterized by atypical communication). I ask how and the extent to which the brain systems underlying these behaviors become specialized and how this neural specialization is reflected in behavioral changes. To examine these questions, I use neuroimaging and behavioral methods with infants, children,adolescents and adults. In some of this research, I use paradigms in which participants engage in a real-time face-to-face communication during fMRI data acquisition, allowing for a more naturalistic social-communicative interaction. |
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Reggia, James |
Areas : Network Models and Pattern Recognition Level : Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : Research interests: computational models of hemispheric specialization and lateralization, recovery following brain damage, evolution of neural networks, adaptation, and emergent communication. |
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Resnik, Philip |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Human Behavior, Theory/Modeling Summary : I do research in computational linguistics, with interests in both the modeling of human linguistic processes (especially lexical acquisition and on-line sentence processing) and the application of natural language processing techniques to practical problems such as cross-language information retrieval and machine translation. |
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Rey, Georges |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : His primary interest is in the relation of contemporary cognitive science to traditional problems in the philosophy of mind, especially the difficulties raised by rationality, intentionality and qualitative experience. He has written numerous articles, and a recent book on contemporary philosophy of mind, in which he argues that a computational/representational theory of mind seems to present a promising way of meeting the first two difficulties, and even a weakened version of the third; but that it will never satisfy us completely because of problems inherent in the way we involuntarily think of things that look and act like our conspecifics. |
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Riggins, Tracy |
Areas : Human Development, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Systems Neuroscience, Cognitive Science Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : Research in Dr. Riggins's lab investigates the development of cognitive abilities, such as memory, in infants and young children. She is especially interested in how the development of the brain contributes to changes in cognition early in life. These questions are addressed using multiple methodological tools including behavioral and neuroimaging techniques (event-related potentials, ERPs and magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) in both typically developing children and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The overall goal of research in Dr. Riggins's lab is to develop a better understanding of how early experiences influence the development of brain-behavior relations and result in individual differences in cognitive performance. |
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Robinson, David |
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Roesch, Matthew R. |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Neurophysiology Summary : My laboratory studies the neural mechanisms of cognition and their disturbance in disorders such as addiction and schizophrenia. We are interested in the neural underpinnings of reward, learning, motivation, conflict, attention and decision-making. For example, we are currently investigating how the brain guides decisions based on expected outcomes and violations in those expectations. We address these issues with a variety of approaches in behaving rats, including neurophysiology, pharmacology, lesions and drug self-administration. |
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Roth, Stephen |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology, Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : The primary focus of our laboratory is identifying the specific genetic variation that contributes to skeletal muscle mass and strength, specifically within the contexts of aging and exercise training. The ultimate goal of this work is the identification of "susceptibility genes" that can be used clinically to identify individuals at risk for early age-related losses of muscle mass and strength (i.e., sarcopenia). More generally, the work of the lab is focused on understanding the role of genetic variation (and environmental interaction) in determining inter-individual differences in exercise responses and other health-related phenotypes. |
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Scholnick, Ellin |
Areas : Human Development Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : Her interest is in ways in which cognitive and linguistic development influence one another and in planning. |
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Schuh, Rosemary A. |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Molecular/Cell Biology, Neuroanatomy Summary : My lab focuses on the role that mitochondrial dysfunction may play in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically AD. We are particularly interested in the temporal assessment of mitochondrial dysfunction, its relationship to amyloid plaque burden and onset of disease pathology. We use transgenic mouse models of AD and also mice possessing fluorescently-labeled mitochondria in either neurons or astrocytes. We assess molecular, biochemical and bioenergetic processes in the whole animal, isolated mitochondria, cell culture and organotypic slice cultures. We utilize a Clarke-type electrode, the cutting edge Seahorse Bioscience XF24 flux analyzer, and an infrared imaging system as well as traditional confocal microscopy techniques in our investigations. |
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Shackman, Alexander |
Areas : Human Development, Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Neurophysiology, Human Behavior Summary : Dispositionally anxious individuals-those who tend to express anxiety too intensely or in response to inappropriate cues-are vulnerable to developing anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. These disorders are common, debilitating, and often treatment resistant, underscoring the need to understand the mechanisms linking dispositional anxiety to psychopathology. To this end, our laboratory uses brain imaging, electrophysiological techniques, peripheral physiological measures, and behavioral assays in adults and children to address three broad questions: 1) What is the nature of the large-scale neural circuit underlying variation in anxiety? 2) How does anxiety influence attention, memory & cognitive control? 3) What mechanisms underlie the inhibited behavioral profile characteristic of anxious individuals? Our goal is to understand how variation in anxiety contributes to psychopathology, discover novel endophenotypes, and set the stage for developing improved interventions. |
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Shamma, Shihab |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience Summary : Dr. Shamma's research over the last 15 years has dealt with issues in computational neuroscience and the development of microsensor systems for experimental research and neural prostheses. |
ECE and Institute for Systems Research |
Shim, Jae Kun |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : Dr. Shim's research is currently focused on biomechanics and motor control of (1) hand and digits and (2) lower extremity amputee locomotion as well as their applications to medicine, rehabilitation, and ergonomics. He is especially interested in understanding the CNS control mechanism for motor redundancy, developments of motor functions in typically developing children as well as children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and developmental changes and intervention & adaptation of motor functions in elderly persons and the persons with neurological/genetic disorders or stroke. He uses techniques of biomechanics, motor control and neurophysiology: kinematic analysis using motion capture systems, kinetic/dynamic analysis, neuromuscular training, TMS, EMG, MEG, fMRI, optic fiber Bragg grading (FBG) force sensors, 6-D kinetic pen, etc. |
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Simon, Jonathan Z. |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuroethology, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration, Speech and Language Level : Systems Neuroscience, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling, Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : I am active in a number of research areas, all under the general headings of Auditory Neural Computations and Representations,Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience, and Signal Processing in Biological Systems. My specific research areas are: Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Experimental Research, Analysis, and Signal Processing of Large Scale Neural Data. Coincidence Detection and Neural Coding of Temporal Information in Auditory Brainstem: Modeling. Neural Processing of Spectrotemporal Auditory Information in Mammals: Physiology and Modeling. Signal Processing and Neural Data. |
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Singer, Joshua |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling Summary : Understanding the circuitry of the mammalian retina: The lab studies show the intrinsic properties of retinal neurons and synapses allow retinal circuits to encode visual stimuli reliably. We're particularly interested in understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie the tremendous dynamic range of the retinal circuitry: how do neurons that have limited signaling capacities encode stimuli that vary in strength over many orders of magnitude? |
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Slevc, Bob |
Areas : Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science Approach : Human Behavior Summary : I study the cognitive mechanisms underlying language processing (especially language production) in both normal and brain-damaged populations and also investigate similarities between the processing of language and of music. Specific interests include how systems such as memory and cognitive control underlie our impressive ability to translate ideas into speech, whether our linguistic choices are driven by what we know about our audience versus by a need to reduce our own cognitive demands, whether language and music rely on similar processing mechanisms, and how musical ability is related to successful second language acquisition. |
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Smith, J Carson |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Human Development Level : Cognitive Science, Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Human Behavior Summary : Dr. Smith is focused on understanding how exercise and physical activity affect human brain function and exert effects on cognitive function and mental health. Dr. Smith investigates the effects of exercise on brain function, as measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), in people at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Smith, his team of investigators, and collaborators are interested in the potential efficacy for exercise to affect brain function and memory in healthy older adults at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, as well as in patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The ultimate goal is to provide evidence for exercise to delay conversion to Alzheimer's disease and protect against age-related cognitive decline. In addition, Dr. Smith's examines how acute and chronic exercise or physical activity may alter emotional reactivity, attention allocation, and cognitive function among patients with anxiety and/or depressive mood disorders. |
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Soares, Daphne |
Summary : In our lab we aim to probe the neural substrate in search of evolutionary plasticity. We use 3 different animals models to study of the evolution of coding: the teleost Astyanax mexicanus, the teleost Astatotilapia burtoni and Aligator mississipiensis. Our research includes behavioral, neurophysiological and anatomical studies. |
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Stricklin, William R. |
Areas : Neuroethology Summary : Dr. Stricklin looks at the role of animal behavior in food animal production systems and animal welfare. |
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Taneyhill, Lisa |
Areas : Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Human Development Level : Cell/Molecular Neuroscience Approach : Molecular/Cell Biology Summary : The Taneyhill lab studies the vertebrate neural crest, a transient population of migratory cells that ultimately differentiate to become a wide range of structures, including the peripheral nervous system, pigment cells, and the cranial bones and cartilage. Consequently, many human congenital and hereditary malformations (such as craniofacial abnormalities and heart defects), diseases and cancers result from aberrant neural crest development. Our lab uses molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques to study neural crest formation in the chicken embryo to better understand overall animal growth and development. |
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Uriagereka, Juan |
Areas : Foundations of Cognitive Science, Speech and Language Level : Cognitive Science, Theory and Computational Modeling Approach : Human Behavior, Philosophy/Foundations, Theory/Modeling Summary : In my work, I study syntactic patterns with an eye on trying to understand what they may tell us about the broader questions that my research pursues. I have specialized mostly in Indo-European (particularly Romance) languages and Basque, presenting analyses from these arenas in a comparative way. I often attempt to relate conclusions reached in the area of syntax to work in the evolution of language or a variety of its performative aspects. |
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Wallsten, Thomas |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning Summary : As a cognitive psychologist with a penchant for formal models and a primary research interest in behavioral decision theory, I seek to develop useful, well-grounded cognitive theory and methods of data analysis regarding judgment and choice processes. |
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Wang, Jian |
Summary : Our lab seeks to understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms that guide the formation and maintenance of the nervous system using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system. |
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Weinberg, Amy |
Areas : Speech and Language Summary : The laboratory investigates a variety of multilingual applications (cross language question answer, information retrieval, summarization, machine translation). Currently we are contributing to a Cross Langauge Question Answering system. We collaborate with colleagues who address issues in document and alternate media (e.g. video) processing. |
Center for the Advance Study of Language |
Wittenberg, George |
Areas : Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Brain Imaging, Hardware Modeling/Robotics, Human Behavior, Neurophysiology, Theory/Modeling Summary : Dr. Wittenberg's research interests presently lie in using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional imaging to understand motor cortical reorganization following stroke and in designing testing new methods for neurorehabilitation. He is the principal investigator in a study of precisely timed motor cortical stimulation to increase useful plasticity during robotic arm therapy. He also uses TMS and functional MRI to detect changes in motor representation, resting-state brain connectivity, and task-specific activation. |
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Wu, Doris K. |
Summary : The goal of our research is to identify genes that are important in the development of the inner ear. The inner ear is structurally complex. Any perturbations in its patterning during development will undoubtedly lead to functional deficits. Therefore, a good understanding of the normal development of the inner ear at a molecular level will help to decipher malformations resulting from mutations. The chicken and the mouse are the two animal models currently being used in our laboratory. In the chicken, we have employed various embryonic manipulations such as implantation and transplantation techniques to address the normal development of the inner ear. To investigate the function of a specific gene of interest during inner ear development, we use avian retrovirus vectors as a method of gene transfer for gain or loss of function experiments. In collaboration with other laboratories, we are also characterizing several knock-out mice that have developmental inner ear defects. |
NIDCD |
Yager, David D. |
Areas : Auditory Neuroscience, Neuroethology, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Animal Behavior, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology Summary : The overarching goal of our laboratory is to find out how insect auditory systems are able to acquire and process acoustic information to yield complex, adaptive behaviors. We are especially interested in the evolution of hearing in insects, and have chosen the very unusual praying mantis ear as a model system. |
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Yeni-Komshian, Grace |
Areas : Speech and Language Summary : The focus of my research is on bilingualism. A major question of investigation is the effect of the age at which bilingual individuals acquire their second language on their proficiency in both of their languages. In this research we make use of current research techniques in speech perception and acoustic analysis of speech. |
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Zaghloul, Kareem |
Areas : Memory, Decision Making, Reasoning, Network Models and Pattern Recognition, Neuromorphic Engineering and Sensory-Motor Integration Level : Systems Neuroscience Approach : Neurophysiology Summary : Research in our lab focuses on understanding the neural correlates of human cognitive function using intracranial recordings captured during epilepsy surgery and deep brain stimulation surgery. In both cases, our lab seeks to record single unit spike activity and local field potential activity directly from the human brain of neurosurgical patients as these patients participate in different cognitive tasks, and to use computational techniques to establish how these signals correlate with different human behaviors. The larger goal of this work centers around understanding the neural code mediating such cognitive processes as memory, decision, and attention. By exploring these questions, we hope to not only gain an understanding of how the human brain processes and relays information, but to potentially open up new possibilities to directly communicate with the brain's complex networks. |
Stacy F.President, (Ph.D candidate) investigates how cognitive based approaches can be used in solving computer science problems. Stacy was drawn to NACS real-world applicability and innovative interdisciplinary program. | More | |
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Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program | T: 301-405-8910 | F: 301-314-9566 | Email: NACS@umd.edu
2131 Biology-Psychology Bldg, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
