Cristopher Niell

Cristopher Niell is Professor in the Department of Biology and Neuroscience program at the University of Oregon, where he directs the Niell Lab investigating neural circuits for vision.

Research combines in vivo recording techniques (high-density electrophysiology, two-photon imaging) with quantitative behavioral analysis to study visual processing in natural contexts. Key model systems include mice engaged in prey capture and Octopus bimaculoides visual processing.

Publications reveal how neural circuits transform retinal input into coherent perceptions, with recent breakthroughs in cephalopod vision research. Articles demonstrate that visual processing dynamically integrates with motor activity and behavioral state.

Current work compares neural coding strategies across species to identify general principles of visual system organization. Laboratory develops novel imaging approaches to study cortical activity during natural behaviors like cricket predation.