The Heys Lab studies the neural circuit and synaptic basis of episodic memory.
What we do
Our lab investigates how entorhinal–hippocampal circuits construct low-dimensional maps of space and time and use them to support flexible, context-dependent behavior. We pair structured learning paradigms with large-scale recordings and targeted perturbations, tightly linked to theory (RNNs, foraging/MVT, latent-state inference), to reveal how training curricula shape strategy, neural dynamics, and generalization. We extend these principles to naturalistic foraging and to aging/social isolation, defining how MEC integrates spatial and temporal information for decision-making and how hippocampal codes degrade under stressors.
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.