Dieter JaegerProfessor

 

Education

• Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1990

Research Area

• Neuroscience
• Computational Biology

Graduate Program Affiliation

• Emory/Georgia Tech Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience

Research Description

In our research program we combine neurophysiology with computer simulations to study the function of neural networks in the basal ganglia and cerebellum, as well as their output to cortex via motor thalamus. The ultimate goal of this work is to understand and be able to reproduce the computational algorithms taking place in these structures.  To this end we work with behaving mice to record and optogenetically manipulate their brain activity during motor tasks.  Our findings shed light on how inhibitory and excitatory brain signals are integrated, and how dynamic brain networks are flexibly engaged during task performance. We apply these insights to the study of dynamic dysfunction of brain circuits in Parkinson's disease using Parkinsonian mouse models.

Research Lab Description

We study detailed realistic single-cell models in conjunction with slice and in vivo electrophysiology to examine computational properties of cerebellar and basal ganglia networks.

 

Publications