NCSL approaches understanding brain function in health and disease with a dynamical systems and control perspective. Specifically, we use mathematical representations to characterize how environmental stimuli (images, sounds, etc.) or exogenous stimuli (e.g. drugs, stimulation treatment) impact neural activity and behavior, carefully accounting for latent variables that exist but that are difficult to measure experimentally. These techniques allow neuroscientists to explain variable and complex behaviors that arise in the presence of fixed options, and most importantly to then identify neural correlates that capture both stimuli and latent variables. Today, our lab focuses on developing computational, data-driven, and biological approaches to advance the knowledge of cortical dynamics driving new diagnostics and treatments for epilepsy and chronic pain.
