Matthew Chalk

I am interested in how neural circuits transmit and transform incoming sensory signals, allowing us to perceive and interact with our surroundings.

 

I address this question by constructing theoretical models of neural activity in low-level visual areas, such as the retina and primary visual cortex. I use these models to discover principles that account for the observed patterns of neural activity in these areas. For example, neurons in low-level visual areas are thought to encode simple aspects of visual scenes, such as local motion, and changes in contrast. I am interested in understanding how they do this, and how such functional objectives play a role in determining the dynamics and connectivity of neural circuits.

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