As systems neuroscientists, our overarching goal is to decipher the brain’s circuitry in order to understand how perception and behavior are generated and regulated, how brain adapts to dynamic changes in the external environment, and how specific alterations of brain function contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders. To tackle these complex questions, we focus on resolving the architecture of neural circuits—uncovering how neurons are wired together to form the structural basis of brain function.

Technical innovation is central to our efforts in navigating the complexity of brain circuits. Over the past several years, we have dedicated significant efforts to developing molecular, genetic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques aimed at elucidating neural circuits that underlie both local neuronal computation and behavioral control. We now employ a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art methodologies—including in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, two-photon calcium imaging, neural modeling, anatomical tracing, and optogenetics—to build an integrative understanding of neural circuits composed of diverse cell types.