Matthew Gardner

Matthew Gardner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Concordia University, conducting cutting-edge research on neural prediction mechanisms. His work bridges cognitive neuroscience and behavioral neuroscience through experimental and computational approaches to understand how the brain generates predictions that guide decision-making and behavior.

His primary research investigates how sensory and cognitive systems interact to create specific predictions of future events, employing electrophysiology and optogenetic manipulations in rats performing behavioral tasks alongside computational modeling. A critical focus is examining how these predictive mechanisms become disrupted in eating disorders and addiction, with implications for understanding the neural basis of psychiatric conditions. His work reveals fundamental principles of how predictive information guides behavior under both healthy and pathological conditions.

Professor Gardner maintains a robust publication record in premier neuroscience journals including Nature, Nature Neuroscience, and Journal of Neuroscience. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications shows consistent emphasis on orbitofrontal cortex function, value-based decision-making, and prediction error signaling. His research demonstrates evolutionary progression from basic neural representation studies to disease mechanism investigations, with increasing focus on computational modeling approaches to integrate findings.

While specific grant details aren't provided, his extensive publication output in high-impact journals indicates successful funding and active research programs. His frequent collaborations, particularly with Dr. Geoffrey Schoenbaum, suggest strong laboratory operations and likely supervision of graduate students in experimental neuroscience techniques. The lab appears focused on training researchers in both wet-lab neuroscience methods and computational analysis skills.