I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Cognitive Science (minor in Bioengineering) at Indiana University Bloomington. My research focuses on the co-creation of experimental and whole-animal simulation studies, engaging both natural intelligences (human and non human animals) and artificial intelligences in identical tasks. 

By examining how adaptive behavior emerges from the interaction between brains, bodies, and environments, I explore the evolution and analysis of dynamical “nervous systems” for model agents, neuromechanical modeling of animals, and apply dynamical systems and information-theoretic approaches to behavior and cognition. This work deepens our comprehension of both artificial and natural intelligence as integrated wholes, where a neural network operates within a biomechanical body, situated in a task environment.

As my work lies at a multidisciplinary intersection, I have been very lucky to have many wonderful colleagues and friends that I'm happy to have been supported by. In particular, the Barwich Olfaction Lab (aptly named The Stink Tank) and the Computational Neuroethology Lab have both been integral to my journey.  

Also, I've been very happy to participate and contribute to a growing network of early researchers. To this end, I am the Communications Chair for the Emerging Researchers in Artificial Life (ERA) group and also a writer and illustrator for the Artificial Life Newsletter.