My primary research interest is the functional organization of memory. I use different techniques to understand which brain networks contribute to different types of memory process and how these can be disturbed and/or reorganized by focal brain damage. Specifically, we study patterns of memory impairments in patients with damage or dysfunction in the medial temporal lobe of the brain (i.e., Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, MCI and Alzheimer Disease).
I use fMRI to study these brain networks supporting memory in health and disease, and neuroplasticity or functional re-organization associated with chronic neurologic conditions and surgical interventions. More recently, I have also begun using electrophysiological techniques such as electrical recording of neuronal signals in the medial temporal lobe in epilepsy patients, electrical stimulation in those circuits in patients with Deep Brain Stimulation, and surface EEG/MEG to map neocortical networks involved in different aspects of memory processing.
In addition to addressing key questions in cognitive neuroscience, I aim to provide better tools for the evaluation of deficits and functional change) that can be applied in epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, and other conditions with focal brain damage in the temporal lobes. Another long-term goal is to identify individual difference factors contributing to vulnerability or resilience to disease/disorder; this will enable better therapeutic targeting and prognosis.