Techniques

Our lab combines multiple techniques to examine behavior and brain function.  This also enhances the learning environment for undergrads and grad students involved in our research.

BEHAVIOR

We can learn about the brain just through behavior.  We tend to program stimulus sets in Matlab, Eprime, and C++.

FUNCTIONAL MRI (fMRI)

We use function magnetic resonance (fMRI) imaging to look at brain changes with learning or other behaviors.  Our MRI facility is located at Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Amherst Campus.  For more on our facility, go here.

PHYSIOLOGY

We use a standard polysomnography (PSG) montage to measure sleep architecture.  This is a combination of EEG, EOG, and EMG.

The amplifiers can also be used to measure EKG or skin conductance (SCR) during a behavioral task.

LESION PATIENTS

We work with individuals with cerebellar lesions, spinocerebellar ataxia (SCAs), Parkinson’s disease and other focal lesions.  The performance of these individuals provide a window into the function of the brain areas effected by the damage.

SCA degeneration (from Neurology.org)

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