Jacob Yates

Jacob Yates serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley, based at 381 Minor Hall. His work bridges neuroscience and vision science within the university's academic framework.

His educational trajectory includes:

• Undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley
• Doctoral research in neuroscience at the University of Texas, Austin (advised by Alex Huk and Jonathan Pillow)
• Postdoctoral training at the University of Rochester (with Jude Mitchell, Greg DeAngelis, and Michele Rucci) and the University of Maryland (with Dan Butts)

Dr. Yates' research investigates how cortical neuron populations encode visual information, employing statistical and machine learning models to decode neural activity and human perception. His lab specializes in the computational role of eye movements in cortical processing, advancing fundamental understanding of visual system mechanics. This work critically intersects computational modeling with experimental neuroscience to unravel perceptual mechanisms.

He maintains an active research laboratory focused on neural computation in vision, leveraging quantitative approaches to address core questions in sensory processing. As a Bay Area native returning to UC Berkeley after extensive training, Dr. Yates actively contributes to the optometry community while pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.