PhD Overview

The focus of my PhD is on the causal neural mechanisms involved in decision making, specifically, the translatability of sequence learning during context-dependent memory across several species.

Since starting my PhD, I have developed a paradigm that can be analogously used across several species, including rats, marmosets, macaques and humans. The task transitions from real-world object exploration with the smaller species (rats and marmosets), to more abstract and complicated contextual learning on touchscreens with the larger species (macaques and humans).

In addition to identifying the ability of each species in being able to learn sequences that span multiple contexts, I am currently exploring the role of the prefrontal-hippocampal circuit during context-dependent memory processing via the use of an innovative technique known as transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS). This will allow me to modulate specific brain areas within the prefrontal-hippocampal system and assess their individual role within context-dependent decision making. 

My wider research goal, that I hope to continue after my PhD, is to explore the evolutionary origins and dependence of the hippocampus and frontal systems on context memory and solidify a method for studying inter-species behaviour. This knowledge is highly relevant for humans with frontal or hippocampal cognitive impairment and may also enhance medical understanding concerning disorders that involve maladaptation of memory and cognition.