معرفی
Pip Coen is a Principal Research Fellow at the University College London (UCL) in the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology. His research focuses on understanding how the brain integrates multisensory information, particularly auditory and visual cues, to guide behavior. He leads the Coen Lab, which uses mouse models to study neural circuits involved in audiovisual integration, employing advanced techniques such as chronic electrophysiology and optogenetics.
Education:
- PhD in Neuroscience, Princeton University (2015)
- BA in Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge (2009)
Research Interests:
Dr. Coen’s work centers on dissecting the neural mechanisms underlying multisensory integration. Key areas include:
- Audiovisual processing and decision-making
- Development of tools for chronic neural recordings (e.g., Neuropixels probes)
- Neural circuits in the frontal cortex and superior colliculus
Lab Culture & Mentorship:
The Coen Lab prioritizes a collaborative, equitable environment, fostering skill development in experimental neuroscience and computational analysis. Ongoing projects explore the role of frontal cortex in integrating sensory evidence, with techniques including custom audiovisual chambers and optogenetic manipulation.
Key Contributions:
- Developed UnitMatch, a software for tracking neurons across recordings
- Pioneered reusable chronic implants for Neuropixels probes
- Published influential work on multisensory integration in Nature Methods, eLife, and Neuron
Labs & Collaborations:
The lab actively collaborates with institutions like the Rossi Lab in Italy and uses state-of-the-art facilities at UCL. Current projects aim to elucidate how sensory modalities are combined in space and during navigation.
