The research interests of this laboratory are the neuronal and molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory.

The marine mollusc Aplysia californica and hippocampal cultures and slices are being used as model systems. In Aplysia we are studying mechanisms of implicit (nondeclarative) memory associated with simple forms of learning such as habituation, sensitization, classical or Pavlovian conditioning and operant conditioning. In hippocampal preparations we are studying mechanisms of explicit (declarative) memory associated with more complex learning processes such as remembering a place or how to solve a maze problem.

As these studies progress, we will be able to compare and contrast learning rules and memory mechanisms among these different memory systems.   Read More >