Jeffrey E Markowitz

Jeffrey E Markowitz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying behavior, particularly the role of dopamine in shaping spontaneous and learned actions. He employs advanced techniques such as motion sequencing, optogenetics, and closed-loop stimulation systems to bridge computational models with experimental neuroscience.

His technical expertise spans neurotechnology development, including injectable fluorescent nanoparticles for high-resolution tracking and tapered optical fibers for light delivery. He integrates machine learning approaches like inverse reinforcement learning and hidden Markov models to analyze behavioral patterns and neural dynamics. Key research areas include dopamine’s influence on reinforcement learning, epilepsy-induced behavioral changes, and the structure of social communication in animals.

Notable contributions include the Cleo testbed for neurotechnology experimentation and pioneering work on motion sequencing (MoSeq) to dissect complex behaviors. His interdisciplinary work intersects neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence, aiming to decode how neural circuits translate into observable behaviors.

Though no specific grants or awards are listed, his publications reflect sustained innovation in behavioral neuroscience and neurotechnology. His lab likely focuses on developing analytical frameworks to connect molecular, neural, and behavioral levels of analysis, with applications in understanding both normal and pathological brain states.