Our field of research is known as predictive processing. Predictive processing is a theory of brain function that assumes the brain contains an internal model of the world, which constantly generates and updates predictions about the world. 

Impaired predictive processing is thought to underlie hallucinations and social disconnection in neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. It can also lead to motor disorders, such as impaired movement adaptation following sensorimotor perturbations. 

VISION

Our vision is to understand the circuit mechanisms and computations that allow the brain to predict the world. We strive to apply our findings to the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism, as well as motor disorders, in which predictive processing is impaired.

QUESTIONS

But how does predictive processing happen in the brain? 

Prediction signals are observed in both the cerebellum and cortex. Therefore, we believe both regions contain an internal model of the world. This raises the following key questions: 

1. How do cortical and cerebellar prediction signals interact with each other to support cognitive and sensorimotor behavior?

2. How distinct are the cerebellar and cortical internal models of the world?

3. What computations and cell-type specific circuit mechanisms underlie predictive processing in each region?

APPROACH

To address these questions, we employ cutting-edge tools in systems and computational neuroscience in awake, behaving mice: 

1. Large-scale recording of neural activity, using both electrophysiological and optical methods

2. Manipulating neural activity, using optogenetics and chemogenetics.

3. Behavioral paradigms in rodents, including both perceptual and motor tasks.

4. Computational methods, using machine learning and modeling to understand neural and behavioral data.