Complex, nonlinear spatial and temporal interactions between individual neurons lead to emergent global phenomena: perception and cognition. These interactions result from the underlying network topology mediating the transmission of electrical activity as well as from the properties of the network elements, the neuron. Both the network structure and intrinsic neuronal properties evolve during the formation of the network and may also be used as a predictor of resulting network functionality. Temporal ordering of electrical activity between neurons or assemblies of neurons is hypothesized to be a signature of optimal information transmission and thus is important during cognitive processes.

We are interested in looking at how synaptogenesis influences spatio-temporal pattern formation and the propagation of network activity during network development. By introducing changes in the connectivity and coupling in the network, we use computational methods on networks of neurons to understand how this influences network dynamics.  Experimentally we use multielectrode array recordings along with fluorescence microscopy to monitor temporal dynamics in dissociated hippocampal networks.

Selected Publications:

•  Waddell J, Dzakpasu R, Booth V, Riley B, Reasor J, Poe G, Zochowski M. Causal entropies--a measure for determining changes in the temporal organization of neural systems. J Neurosci Methods.162:320-32,  2007