We study neural circuit processing during naturalistic, odor-guided foraging by rodents. Leveraging the genetic tools available in mice we investigate how specific neuron types process information during exposure to natural odor plumes.

We use precise analysis of octopus whole-body motion during complex behaviors such as prey capture, sensory-guided exploration and foraging to discover fundamental mechanisms for decision-making across species.

Collaborating with groups across the UW campus we have developed computer-based navigation and naturalistic foraging tasks for humans. These tasks have been adapted to clinical settings, enabling neural data collection from structures such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.