We are a neuroscience lab at Columbia's Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. Our goal is to combine the advantages of the songbird courtship system with state-of-the-art computational, theoretical, and experimental approaches to discover how brains evaluate behaviors, both self-generated and the behaviors of others. By discovering fundamental principles of brain function, we aim to provide insight into neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and autism.
Active Research Projects
1. Practice: What strategies does the brain use during different stages of learning?
What is the role of reinforcement during early critical periods of sensorimotor learning?
2. Performance: How does the brain switch between practice and performance modes?
How does the brain switch between a state optimized for variability and learning to a state optimized for stereotypy and performance?
News
March 12, 2025
Songbirds Highlight Dopamine’s Role in Learning
February 18, 2025
Five Columbia Faculty Members Named Sloan Research Fellows
December 22, 2023
This Pianist Learns with Songbirds
Photos
Good luck Xueqian!
Welcome D'Juan and Aminata!
Lab hibachi!
Twinning! (Accidentally)
Our research has been generously supported by funding from:
