The Heys Lab studies the neural circuit and synaptic basis of episodic memory.
What we do
The Heys Lab investigates the neural underpinnings of learning and memory. We focus on how circuits in the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, form and recall memories of space and time. Our long-term goal is to understand the neural basis of these important brain functions and how they become dysregulated in neurodegenerative diseases.
Our Approach
Our lab uses a combination of in vivo 2-photon microscopy, high-throughput single-unit electrophysiology and sophisticated behavioral approaches - such as virtual reality - in order to monitor and manipulate neural activity at cellular and sub-cellular resolution in behaving rodents. By combining these experimental approaches with computational modeling, we aim to elucidate the neural mechanisms that underlie encoding, storage and retrieval of spatial and temporal memories.
Mentorship & Environment
The Heys Lab is committed to providing thoughtful mentorship and a balanced work-life environment, with the goal of supporting trainees while they launch successful scientific careers.