Harel Shouval

Harel Shouval is a Professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, specializing in theoretical and computational neuroscience. His research bridges molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity with systems-level learning and memory phenomena.

Research Interests:

• Mechanistic modeling of synaptic plasticity (LTP/LTD) and its molecular basis
• Reinforcement learning and neural network dynamics
• Memory maintenance through bi-stable molecular switches
• Development of receptive field and place field plasticity
• Psychophysical analysis of sensory error scaling

Key Contributions:

• Developed biophysical models connecting synaptic plasticity to learning
• Pioneered two-trace reinforcement learning models validated experimentally
• Investigated PKMζ's role in long-term memory maintenance
• Formulated theories linking sensory noise to decision-making processes