CorticalNeurophys

Focus on Cortical Neurophysiology

How do complex neural networks in our cerebral cortex really work? Cortical neurophysiology (CN) provides both a theory-based and technology-driven tool that is perfectly suited to address this question. CN is an intellectually stimulating field of neuroscience that continues to produce Nobel Prize winning advances and new insights into how we think, feel, recognize and react to our environment. A focus on CN at Georgetown prepares students for teaching in neuroscience and interdisciplinary research in the dynamic fields of cognitive, systems and computational neuroscience. Research in CN at Georgetown ranges from molecular and cellular work that use patch-clamping and optical recording technology in brain slices to systems and whole organism behavioral studies that utilize in-vivo neurophysiology and functional neuroimaging of the cerebral cortex. Research foci include studies of glutamate and GABA receptors to explore learning, memory and sensory processing, recordings in brain slices to explore oscillations and trajectory of cortical activity, studies of auditory processing in intact primates and bats as animal models for understanding speech and music perception in humans, and computational modeling to provide rigorous hypotheses for human and animal studies investigating object recognition and higher level plasticity across sensory modalities. A major driving force is to understand how complex neural systems function and adapt to a changing environment.

Interdisciplinary research in CN has either direct or indirect implications for understanding a number of sensory and mental disorders. Many of these disorders e.g., auditory processing disorders, William’s syndrome, dyslexia, deafness and epilepsy are either genetic or pervasive developmental disorders. Others, e.g., tinnitus, presbycusis, aphasias, amusia and learning and memory deficits are triggered either by injury, aging or chronic physical and/or mental stress. Clinical applications of neurophysiological research on the cortex include drug testing as well as the development of behavioral interventions that can either slow down or prevent the onset of various neuropsychiatric conditions. In addition, some of the research can contribute to the development of bionic devices, e.g., cochlear and brain implants that can improve the quality of life by enhancing sensory processing, learning, memory and cognitive abilities. Therefore, training in CN provides opportunities for continued research either in the industry or academia.

Students may focus their graduate studies on “Cortical Neurophysiology” by enrolling in the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN) and pursuing their thesis research in the laboratories of one or more of the faculty members in this group (note that co-mentorship is possible and often encouraged). Prior to selecting a thesis project, students are expected to conduct two of their three rotations in the laboratories of the core members of this research group. Collaborative research may include other IPN faculty, including those from the Departments of Psychology and Physics. It is recommended that undergraduate preparation for entering this field of study include at least one undergraduate course each in math and physics. Prior experience with or knowledge of one of the neurophysiological recording methodologies, electronics, and/or computer programming is preferred. If your research interests overlap with that of any of the faculty listed below, please feel free to contact them directly for further information.

Click on links to visit the web pages that describe the research theme and interests of faculty participating in this program:

Molly Huntsman, PhD

http://www9.georgetown.edu/gumc/departments/pharmacology/faculty/fachuntsman.html

Research interests: GABA, inhibitory connections in the cerebral cortex