Scott Pluta

Scott Pluta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, affiliated with the College of Science. His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception, sensory-guided behavior, and sensorimotor loops. He employs advanced techniques such as optogenetics, viral tracing, and behavioral analysis to study neural circuits in rodents, particularly focusing on the midbrain superior colliculus (SC) and cortical networks.

Education and Experience: Pluta earned his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 2009. He completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley (2012–2017) and Wake Forest Medical Center (2009–2012). His lab, the Laboratory for Sensorimotor Integration, investigates how descending cortical inputs influence the SC's activity and behavior, aiming to reveal principles of neural circuit function with implications for neurological disorders like ADHD and Parkinson's disease.

Research Interests: Central to his work is the study of how the SC integrates sensory, motor, and motivational signals to form a 'priority map' for spatial attention. Projects include dissecting cortico-collicular circuits using genetic labeling and optogenetic manipulation, and analyzing ascending SC-thalamic-cortical pathways to understand sensorimotor loop dynamics. His lab uses rodent whisker systems as a model for active touch and spatial navigation.

Lab and Collaborations: The lab combines optogenetics, neurophysiology, and behavioral tracking to study dynamic interactions between cortical and midbrain networks. Research outcomes aim to provide foundational insights for developing treatments for neurological conditions.