The Nicola Computational Neuroscience Lab investigates how neurons can come together, and form functional spiking networks that produce behaviours and perform operations. We use a myriad of techniques in dynamical systems theory, applied mathematics, and machine learning to investigate how to couple neurons together to perform specific functions, or to elicit the rise of emergent behaviours. We work together with a diverse group of experimentalists both here in Calgary, and from across the world to investigate the power of biological neural networks, and biologically inspired learning.
Memory
Our lab investigates how memories are initially formed in the hippocampus using simple plasticity rules and computing elements to rapidly form initial memories. These memories are subsequently consolidated during hippocampal replays (sharp-wave-ripples) and presumably, transferred into cortical areas for long-term consolidation. We have collaborated extensively with the Dupret (Oxford) and Clopath (Imperial College) labs in tackling the mysteries behind memory formation in hippocampal and cortical circuits.
Stress
Stress is an intrinsic feature of our day-to-day lives. From the chronic stresses we face every day to more acute transient stress challenges, the Nicola Lab investigates the changes to the neural circuits regulating stress responses (the hypothalamus) as part of an ongoing collaboration with the Bains' Stressynomics lab here at the University of Calgary.
Brain Dynamics
How the dynamics of neurons, impact the dynamics of neural circuits, to ultimately change the dynamics of the brain and the behaviour of organisms remains one of the grand mysteries of neuroscience. The Nicola Computational Neuroscience lab interrogates the dynamics of neurons, circuits, and the brain and behaviour to try to unravel this link. We apply techniques in dynamical systems and bifurcation theory, mean-field analyses, and data-driven model construction to determine how neurons and neural circuits communicate information between each other, and how this information transfer leads to changes in animal behaviours.