The lab employs theory-inspired behavioral tasks of different modalities to isolate key variables related to learning and decision-making. We work primarily with freely-moving rats and our tasks include different sets of Pavlovian and instrumental paradigms, including classical tasks like sensory preconditioning and reinforcer devaluation, and complex odor-guided tasks where rats learn to make appropriate decisions across several trials. Many of our tasks focus on latent learning and inference testing, as these processes can reveal a lot about what types of information rats pick up when exploring the world.

By recording different forms of neural activity as rats execute our tasks, we can infer how distinct neural mechanisms guide behavior. The lab employs many different techniques, including multi-site fiber photometry, endoscopic imaging, and electrophysiology, to measure signals like neurotransmitter release, calcium transients, and neuronal firing in freely-moving rats.

We can test hypotheses on how the brain controls behavior by disrupting or manipulating neural activity and observing the effects of these interventions on behavior. The lab is set up to use several tools for neural manipulation, from more recent approaches like chemogenetics and optogenetics, to classical methods like pharmacology and lesions. In addition, the lab is establishing methods for cell-type specific gene editing in adult rats using CRISPR, which will allow us to understand how specific genes shape behavior.

A strong theoretical framework is generally important both for formulating hypotheses and interpreting experimental results. This is especially true in behavioral neuroscience, where the studied constructs are often hard to define and quantify. We apply computational approaches, both in house and in collaboration with specialized theoreticians, to guide our experimental work and analyze empirical data.