Find Academic Supervisors

Nikolai AxmacherView profile

Professor

• Memory Formation
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neural Networks
• +5 more

Nikolai Axmacher is a Professor at the Department of Neuropsychology , Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience , within the Faculty of Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum . His research focuses on understanding how experiences are transformed into memory traces, how memory is impaired by trauma and Alzheimer's disease, and the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and learning. Combines cognitive neuroscience methods (EEG, fMRI, intracranial recordings) Investigates memory consolidation during rest and sleep Develops AI-based algorithms for decoding neural representations Studies autobiographical and social memory systems His recent work explores the interplay between memory and spatial navigation, particularly in populations at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Using high-resolution neuroimaging (3T/7T fMRI) and electrophysiological recordings, he examines distributed BOLD activity patterns and oscillations in memory networks. Though no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided texts, his publications in Nature Communications , Science Advances , and Current Biology demonstrate significant impact. Contact: nikolai.axmacher@ruhr-uni-bochum.de | Room IB 6/185 | Phone +49 (0)234 32-22674

Flavio DonatoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neural Network Development
• Cognitive Functions
• Spatial Memory
• +5 more

Flavio Donato is an Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he leads a research group investigating the structural and functional maturation of neural networks related to orientation and memory. His work focuses on how abstract thinking develops throughout life, with particular emphasis on neurons in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus that create the brain's 'cognitive map' for navigating physical and conceptual spaces. Nationality: Italian Position: Assistant Professor of Neurobiology since 2019 Education: PhD in Neurobiology from University of Basel (Summa Cum Laude) Research Focus: Neural network development, memory formation, spatial cognition Donato's research program examines how neural networks supporting cognitive functions emerge during development. His laboratory conducts longitudinal studies visualizing, recording, and manipulating neural activity across multiple life stages of animals. Using approaches from genetics, quantitative behavioral analysis, in vivo imaging, viral tracing, computational modeling, and optogenetics, his team identifies stereotypical patterns of neural activity associated with specific behaviors. A key aspect of his work explores sensitive periods for neurodevelopmental disorders, investigating how traumatic experiences in children may increase susceptibility to mental illness later in life. His recent publications reveal trends in developmental neuroscience with a strong focus on hippocampal-entorhinal circuitry, memory formation mechanisms, and the ontogeny of cognitive functions. His research spans from molecular mechanisms of synapse formation to systems-level understanding of spatial representation and memory dynamics during development. Eppendorf & Science prize for neurobiology of 2017 (Grand Winner) for essay 'Assembling the brain from deep within' EMBO Long-term fellowship (2013-2015) As a principal investigator, Donato mentors PhD students including Vilde Kveim, who recently received the Shepherd prize for her PhD work. His lab, Donatolab, investigates how the brain stores multiple 'copies' of events as revealed in his August 2024 study. Donato is also active in the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence, contributing to broader neuroscience discourse and policy discussions about the future of the field. His research group employs cutting-edge methodologies to study neural development from birth to functional maturity, with implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and developing targeted therapeutic interventions based on deciphering mechanisms of neurotypical cognitive development.

Michael HausserView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neural Computation
• Synaptic Integration
• +3 more

Michael Hausser is a Professor of Neuroscience at University College London (UCL) and a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow. His research focuses on neural computation, synaptic integration, and dendritic physiology. He holds significant academic leadership roles, including co-Chief Editor of Current Opinion in Neurobiology and memberships on numerous scientific advisory boards globally. His honors include election to the Royal Society (2015), Academy of Medical Sciences (2012), and EMBO (2010). Key contributions span optogenetic neural circuit analysis, dendritic processing, and cerebellar function. Education: 1988–1992: D.Phil. in Neuroscience, Oxford University (Commonwealth Scholar) 1992–1995: Postdoctoral Fellowships at Max-Planck Institute (Germany) and Ecole Normale Supérieure (France) Research Interests: Neuronal computation in dendrites Synaptic plasticity mechanisms Cerebellar circuit function In vivo neural circuit analysis Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2016, 2009) Fellowships from Wellcome Trust, HFSP, and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Grants & Leadership: Advisory roles at institutions like the Sainsbury-Wellcome Centre and IMP Vienna NIH BRAIN Initiative Panel Member (2014–2015) His lab pioneered techniques like targeted patch-clamp recordings in vivo and explores how neurons process temporal and spatial information at the cellular and circuit levels.

Jeffrey Lopez-RojasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Social Cognition
• Hippocampal Function
• +7 more

Jeffrey Lopez-Rojas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), with strong affiliations to the Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology programs. He is actively recruiting graduate students for the Clinical PhD, Neuroscience PhD, and Health MS programs, indicating an active research and mentoring role. His research focuses on the neural basis of social cognition, particularly the role of the lateral entorhinal cortex and hippocampal CA2 circuit in social memory. Using advanced techniques such as optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, and in vivo neuronal recordings, his lab investigates how multisensory social signals are integrated and processed in the brain. His work has significant implications for understanding and treating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders characterized by social deficits. The recent publications highlight a consistent trajectory in neuroscience, particularly in hippocampal function, synaptic plasticity, ion channel regulation, and neural circuit dynamics. Key themes include social memory, dendritic excitability, calcium and potassium channel function, and structural plasticity in the dentate gyrus and hippocampus. His work bridges molecular, cellular, and systems-level neuroscience. Dr. Lopez-Rojas has contributed to high-impact journals such as Neuron , Nature Communications , and EMBO Journal , demonstrating a strong publication record. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his research output suggests recognition in the neuroscience community. He advises graduate students in clinical, neuroscience, and health-related programs and likely secures external funding to support his experimental work, though specific grants are not mentioned. His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining behavioral assays with cutting-edge neurophysiological and molecular tools, positioning his team at the forefront of systems neuroscience research. His laboratory focuses on the entorhinal-hippocampal network, utilizing transgenic models, circuit tracing, and functional imaging to dissect the mechanisms of social memory and pattern separation. The team’s work contributes to broader efforts in understanding cognitive decline and social dysfunction in brain disorders.

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neural Dynamics
• Time Perception
• +5 more

Ignacio Polti is a postdoctoral researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) affiliated with the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences . His work focuses on understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms of time perception using cross-species approaches in humans and rodents. Education: PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience (NTNU) MSc in Cognitive Science (École Normale Supérieure, Paris) MSc in Psychology (Universidad de Buenos Aires) Research Interests center on predictive processing frameworks, examining how the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex contribute to temporal cognition. In humans, he investigates sensorimotor timing (e.g., intercepting moving targets, musical timing), while in rodents, he explores episodic timing through memory-based duration estimation. His work integrates fMRI , M/EEG , and computational models to uncover how event segmentation and statistical context adaptation shape time perception. Notable Scientific Recognition: 2023 Journal of Neuroscience Spotlight: Highlighted for methodological and scientific significance. Key Collaborations include the Moser group (Nobel laureates May-Britt and Edvard Moser) and the Doeller group at the Max Planck Institute. His outreach activities include a Neuro Current podcast interview and press coverage in Norwegian and international media.

Nathaniel DawView profile

Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Decision-Making
• Reinforcement Learning
• +3 more

Nathaniel Daw holds the Huo Professorship in Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute , Princeton University. His research integrates computational, neural, and behavioral approaches to study decision-making through trial-and-error learning and reward/punishment processing. Research Interests: Computational Neuroscience Decision-Making Under Uncertainty Model-Based and Model-Free Learning Neural Mechanisms of Self-Control Publications (2025-2019) explore intersections of machine learning and neuroscience, focusing on reward-guided behavior, memory systems, and psychiatric implications like anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Key themes include neural replay, cognitive effort allocation, and predictive modeling of human and animal learning. Scientific Awards: Princeton-Rutgers $16M Research Grant for mental illness studies Grants and Collaborations: Highlighted by a major interdisciplinary grant with Rutgers University to advance understanding of mental illness through computational frameworks. Labs and Teams: Leads the Daw Lab at Princeton Neuroscience Institute, focusing on neurocomputational models of decision-making and self-control.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Prion Diseases
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• +4 more

Kimbra Kenney, MD, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) School of Medicine. Her research focuses on traumatic brain injury (TBI), prion diseases, and biomarkers of neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on military and veteran populations. She has held roles including Clinical Associate at the NIH, Medical Officer, and clinical researcher in programs such as the Comprehensive Neuroscience Program (CNP) and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE). Dr. Kenney's work spans neuroimaging, cerebrovascular function, and neurodegenerative mechanisms in TBI, with a focus on translational research and clinical outcomes. Education B.A., The Johns Hopkins University (1980) M.D., University of Virginia School of Medicine (1984) Internship: Internal Medicine, Harbor-UCLA (1985) Residency: Neurology, Oregon Health Sciences University (1988) Fellowship: Neuropathology, University of Washington (1989) Research Interests Dr. Kenney's work addresses biomarkers of TBI, prion disease pathogenesis, and cerebrovascular dysfunction. She investigates links between TBI and chronic conditions such as dementia, headaches, and neurological inflammation. Her studies employ neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, fNIRS), blood-based biomarkers (e.g., neurofilament light, GFAP), and exosomal microRNA analysis to assess injury mechanisms and treatment efficacy. Grants & Collaboration Her research has been supported through collaborations with the NIH, Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC), and the ENIGMA Military Brain Injury Working Group. Key projects include the LIMBIC-CENC study on TBI epidemiology and the NICoE’s clinical trials for cerebrovascular therapies. Labs & Teams Dr. Kenney contributes to interdisciplinary teams at USUHS, NICoE, and the Department of Neurology, focusing on military-relevant neurological disorders and translational research initiatives.

Mehrdad JazayeriView profile

Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neural Dynamics
• Sensory-Motor Integration
• +5 more

Mehrdad Jazayeri is a Professor in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT and an Investigator at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research. He directs educational initiatives in the department and teaches 9.014: Quantitative Methods and Computational Models in Neuroscience , focusing on mathematical tools for analyzing neurobiological data. His research centers on the neural mechanisms of timing, sensorimotor integration, and decision-making, with contributions to understanding how the brain encodes time and generates flexible behaviors. Education and Background: Jazayeri earned his PhD in Neuroscience from New York University (NYU) and completed postdoctoral training there, supported by the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation. His work has been honored with prestigious awards including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator designation (2024), McKnight Scholars Award (2017), and multiple teaching awards from MIT. Research Interests: His lab explores how neural circuits in the frontal cortex and other regions support temporal processing, mental simulation, and hierarchical reasoning. Key topics include neural dynamics underlying interval timing, Bayesian computation in sensory-motor systems, and mechanisms of cognitive control. Recent work highlights the role of entorhinal cortex in mental navigation and the dynamics of working memory. Awards: Over 20 awards/fellowships span career milestones, including the 2024 HHMI Investigatorship, Sloan Research Fellowship (2014), and recognition for both research and teaching excellence. His early career was supported by the Goldsmith Fellowship (NYU) and NSERC Scholarship (Canada). Teaching and Education: As Director of Education in BCS, he shapes curricula for MIT’s Brain and Cognitive Sciences programs. His 9.014 course emphasizes computational modeling, MATLAB programming, and analysis of neurobiological data, reflecting his commitment to bridging theory and experiment. Lab and Collaborations: The JazLab develops innovative techniques like MEDiCINe for neural recordings and leverages primate models to study decision-making circuits. Collaborations integrate experimental neuroscience with computational modeling, addressing questions in temporal processing and neural plasticity.

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Spatial Cognition
• +3 more

Kate Jeffery is a Professor and Head of the School of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow. Previously, she held roles including Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience and Vice Dean (Research) at University College London. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying spatial cognition, particularly the 'cognitive map' formed by the hippocampus and related structures. She explores how sensory input constructs spatial representations and the interplay between architecture and brain spatial processing. Affiliations: University of Glasgow (Head of School), Formerly University College London Key Roles: Academic leadership, Director of the Jeffery Lab, Collaborator in neuroscientific research projects Research Interests: Spatial navigation, hippocampal function, neural coding of 3D space, grid cells, head direction cells, and the architectural influence on spatial cognition. Her work bridges neuroscience and environmental design, emphasizing translational applications. Grants & Collaborations: Extensive grants supporting studies on spatial cognition, climate-conscious lab practices, and comparative cognition across species. Collaborates with institutions globally on projects like 3D spatial encoding and gamma oscillation mechanisms. Labs & Teams: Leads the Jeffery Lab at Glasgow, which investigates spatial navigation and hippocampal dynamics. Active in interdisciplinary teams studying neural circuits and environmental impact on cognition.

Fabian RothView profile

Research Professor

• Axon Physiology
• GABAergic Inhibition
• Neuronal Network Activities
• +3 more

Fabian Roth is a Research Professor and Principal Investigator at the University of Oslo, leading studies on synaptic physiology and neuronal network dynamics. Previously, he held a postdoctoral position at the same institution (2016–2021) and completed his PhD in Neurophysiology at the University of Heidelberg (2009–2016). Research Interests : His work focuses on axonal functions in GABAergic interneurons, including mechanisms of fast action potential signaling, regulation of synaptic inhibition, and their roles in neuronal network oscillations and high-frequency brain activity. He investigates how axonal physiology impacts network dynamics and information encoding. Awards : 2021 RCN FRIPRO Researcher Grant (Young Talents) 2016 Scientia Fellows Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants & Advising : His research is supported by the RCN FRIPRO grant. No formal advisees are listed, but collaborations include partners such as Andreas Draguhn (Heidelberg) and Ethan Goldberg (Philadelphia). Labs & Projects : Active in the study of axonal dysfunctions in Dravet Syndrome, exploring how disruptions in inhibitory signaling contribute to neurological disorders.

Dave MumbyView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +2 more

Dave Mumby is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Concordia University. His research focuses on the ethology of the laboratory rat , particularly object-recognition memory, spatial learning, and hippocampal function. With a PhD in Biopsychology from the University of British Columbia (1992), he has taught senior-level courses including PSYC 457 (Animal Behavior), PSYC 467 (Evolutionary Perspectives on Learning), and PSYC 451 (Neurobiology of Learning). Email: David.Mumby@concordia.ca Research Trends : His publications (1990–2018) examine memory mechanisms in rats, emphasizing hippocampal and perirhinal cortex roles, hormonal influences (e.g., estradiol, oxytocin), and stress effects on behavior. Studies include novel object recognition, circadian rhythms, and neurodegenerative models. Scientific Awards : Fellow of Concordia University's Science College Teaching Activities : Dr. Mumby's courses bridge animal behavior, evolutionary theory, and neurobiology, reflecting his interdisciplinary research focus.

• Neuroscience
• Memory Encoding
• Hippocampal Function
• +2 more

Dr. Joseph O'Neill is a Research Fellow at Cardiff University's School of Psychology, holding a Ser Cymru II Rising Star Fellowship. His research focuses on neural mechanisms of memory encoding, particularly hippocampal and parahippocampal functions in spatial and texture-based memory processing. He leads the Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory and collaborates with institutions globally. Education includes a BSc in Neuroscience (Aberdeen, 1994-1998), MSc in Neuroscience (University College London, 2002), and D.Phil. from the University of Oxford (2003-2007). Professional experience spans postdoctoral roles at IST Austria, MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit (Oxford), and CNRS (France). Research explores three core areas: 1) Subicular mnemonic circuitry in spatial memory, 2) Hippocampal-parahippocampal reactivation during memory consolidation, and 3) Cortical mechanisms of texture discrimination learning. His work employs optogenetics, neuropixel probes, and behavioral analysis in rodent models. Publications emphasize neuroscience themes: hippocampal dynamics (67%), memory consolidation (20%), and sensory processing (13%). Key techniques include optogenetics, electrophysiology, and computational modeling of neural oscillations. Awards include the Ser Cymru II Rising Star Fellowship (2018-2022). Current grants: Ser Cymru II (Mapping Subicular Mnemonic Circuitry) and BBSRC (Cortical Pathways for Texture Discrimination). Research team: Dr. Jon Wilson (post-doc), Dr. Sungmin Kang (post-doc), Harriet Hallum (Senior Technician). Collaborators include Prof. Kevin Fox, Prof. Rob Honey, and Prof. John Aggleton.

Antonio Rodríguez MorenoView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Transmission
• Neuronal Plasticity
• +3 more

Antonio Rodríguez Moreno is a Professor of Physiology and Director of the Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity Laboratory at Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain. He holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from Autonomous University of Madrid (2000) with an Extraordinary Doctoral Award, and has held academic positions since 2001 at the same university, progressing from Associate Professor to Full Professor in 2016. His research focuses on synaptic transmission mechanisms, neuronal plasticity, and their implications in neurodegenerative diseases. Education: Agricultural Engineer (1992), Biological Sciences Degree (1995), PhD in Biological Sciences (2000) International Experience: Postdoctoral work at University College London, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge His research integrates synaptic plasticity with neurodegenerative disease modeling, particularly investigating endocannabinoid systems , kainate receptors , and astrocyte-neuron interactions in Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome models. Recent studies explore how distinct endocannabinoids (anandamide vs 2-AG) differentially regulate synaptic activity through cell-type specific signaling. Key article trends show expertise in receptor pharmacology (CB1, NMDA, KAR), synaptic plasticity mechanisms , and neuroinflammatory modulation in disease states. His team employs electrophysiology , optogenetics , and transgenic models to study these phenomena. Extraordinary Doctoral Award Marie Curie Fellowship EMBO Fellowship HFSP Fellowship FEBS Scholarship Royal Society Fellowship As laboratory director, he supervises a multidisciplinary team including Susana Ramiro Fuentes, Yuniesky Andrade-Talavera, and other researchers. His work has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders through mechanisms like galectin-3 inhibition and mitochondrial disease modeling .

John A. WhiteView profile

Professor

• Mechanisms of Episodic Memory
• Pathophysiology of Epilepsy
• Computational Neuroscience
• +2 more

John A. White serves as Professor and Deputy Chair in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University, with joint appointments in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Neuroscience. He directs the Neuronal Dynamics Lab and maintains affiliations with the Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center. Education: PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University His research integrates engineering principles with neuroscience to decode brain information processing mechanisms. Key focus areas include episodic memory formation, epilepsy pathophysiology, computational modeling of neural networks, real-time instrumentation design, and advanced imaging of neuronal and astrocytic activity. Current work targets therapeutic interventions for memory disorders through precisely timed brain stimulation and develops computational frameworks for understanding cortical coherence in cognitive functions. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in hippocampal memory coding (time/distance representation, engram segregation), theta-gamma oscillation dynamics, and neurotechnology development. Recent work emphasizes ultrasound-based deep brain stimulation, calcium imaging analysis toolboxes, and computational models of inhibitory networks, demonstrating consistent innovation at the engineering-medicine interface. Scientific Awards: 2019: Elected Fellow of the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering 2019: Elected President of the Biomedical Engineering Society 2014: Meeting Chair, Biomedical Engineering Society Fall Meeting 2011: Distinguished Alumnus Award, Dept. of BME, La. Tech U. 2006: Elected Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society 2005: Elected Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering 2003-2008: Co-Director, Methods in Computational Neuroscience, Marine Biological Lab Professor White actively collaborates across Boston University's interdisciplinary centers while advancing his lab's mission to translate neural dynamics research into clinical applications, particularly for memory restoration in neurological disorders. His leadership in the Biomedical Engineering Society and ongoing development of real-time electrophysiology tools underscore his commitment to bridging engineering innovation with neurological therapeutics.

Yudong GaoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Proteomics
• Neuroscience
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• +3 more

Yudong Gao is an Assistant Professor and McNair Scholar in the Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of protein interactions in the brain and their dysregulation in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. He employs cutting-edge tools like proteomics, protein engineering, and high-throughput electrophysiology to study synaptic and ion channel models. His lab also develops strategies to modulate neural signaling and alleviate symptoms in brain disorder models. Education: BE from Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) PhD from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, USA) Postdoctoral Training at Duke University (Durham, NC, USA) Research Interests: Dr. Gao’s work centers on protein interaction networks in neurological disorders. His lab investigates how disruptions in these networks contribute to disease phenotypes, with a focus on autism spectrum conditions and schizophrenia. Techniques include proximity proteomics, chemico-genetic analysis, and advanced electrophysiological assays. Recent studies have revealed novel modifiers in autism models and explored neural activity regulation in epilepsy-linked genes like Cnksr2. Awards & Honors: Young Investigator Award (Brain & Behavior Research Foundation) McNair Scholar (McNair Medical Institute) SFARI Pilot Award (Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative) Grants & Advising: Supported by the McNair Medical Institute and Simons Foundation. No formal student advisees listed in provided texts. Labs/Teams: Leads a lab at Baylor College of Medicine focused on protein interaction mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders.