“Timescales of behavior and neural processing”

NOTE time

Hosted by Monosov lab, WashU Neuroscience

Dr. Zimmermann is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota. He earned his PhD in Neuro-physics from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, followed by post doctoral training working in the lab of Dr. Paul Glimcher at NYU. His lab studies how the brain represents and constructs subjective value, and how that signal is used to guide decision making. He uses a variety of techniques to probe this topic, from classic decision making paradigms to free moving primate behavior, and from electrophysiology to ultra high field MRI (of which he is pioneering in NHP).

Abstract: Behavior is organized across multiple spatial and temporal scales, ranging from sub-second motor commands over multi-second movement plans to long term foraging patterns. Currently it is unclear how the brain solves this coordination of multiple intertwined temporal demands. While classical neuroscience experiments typically look at or engage a fixed temporal scale or horizon, ethological studies have long focused on the analysis of naturalistic behavior across freely elicited temporal scales. Here I will show some of the approaches my lab is taking to understand the organization of timescales in behavior and neural processing ranging from ultra high field fMRI to multi-region wireless electrophysiology in freely moving rhesus macaques.

The Systems Journal Club has spirited discussions of recent systems neuroscience papers, covering sensory, motor and cognitive issues. We will meet virtually via Zoom until further notice. For inquiries or to be added to the journal club list, contact Camillo Padoa-Schioppa or Larry Snyder (WashU Dept. of Neuroscience).

Full schedule and archives, Systems Journal Club