Research Aims
Long after all synaptic pathways have formed accurately within the brain, these connections can be dramatically transformed by an animal’s experiences, due to both learning or early-onset hearing loss. Our lab studies this phase of development, during which auditory experience influences nervous system function, perceptual skills, and aural communication. As part of this research program, we also study adult neural mechanisms that support vocalization processing, social learning, sensory decision-making, listening effort, and perceptual learning. Ultimately, we seek to understand how beneficial and adverse experiences influence synaptic function, cortical encoding, and the behavioral skills that they support.