Research

Dolphin Auditory Processing

Navigating noisy and turbid waters to forage for food and maintain connection with conspecifics is a constant challenge that dolphins seem to handle with ease. We are interested in how dolphins interpret sonar returns, and use this information to prepare future movements and subsequent sonar clicks. 

Human Sensorimotor Processing

This research program exists at the intersection of motor learning, music cognition, psychophysics, and brain computer interfaces to examine the interaction of perception and action.

Sealion EEG Validation

Sealions are amazing animals in that their sense of hearing has developed to function both in-air and underwater! Along with other pinnipeds, they offer a relatively unique model of hearing adaptations in radically different environments. Behavioral training allows for audiogram tests, but to date a large majority of neuroelectrophysiology has required animal sedation to perform. If you've ever seen a sea lion whip its head, then you can appreciate how challenging it is to maintain good contact between noninvasive sensors and the animal's head. In collaboration with National Marine Mammal Foundation & Navy Marine Mammal Program Veterinary medicine.

Human fetal EEG monitoring

Monitoring fetal brain dynamics for health is a challenging problem, particularly as complications like hypoxia can inform delivery room decisions and procedures. Interestingly the distance between a fetal cortex and an electrode on the mother's belly skin, is about the same distance as between a dolphin cortex and an electrode on its head skin surface. Borrowing from lessons learned in marine mammal EEG recording challenges, we are supporting the development of EEG recordings to improve prenantal and maternal healthcare. In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University Biomedical Engineering.

Various student-directed thesis projects (see lab members page)