The proposed research of this funded BRAIN Initiative grant seeks to elucidate the code commanding a natural behavior and how this code changes with learning. The question will be addressed in the sound localization system of the owl.
The aims of this project will elucidate the pattern of activity and network architecture of the entire population of sensory neurons driving behavior, before and after learning. The owl?s highly evolved processing capacity and characteristic head-turn toward sound offers unique advantages for connecting behavior with the underlying neural representation. The approach is multidisciplinary, combining high- throughput electrophysiology, electron microscopy, behavior and theory. If successful, this would be the first time a sound-driven behavior will be understood from the activity of the complete-population down to the microanatomy supporting it. The requested Diversity Supplement will fund Keanu Shadron, a talented PhD student and underrepresented minority of Native Hawaiian background, at the Pena laboratory. The candidate's proposal research is directly related ot Aims 1 & 3 of the parent grant. Keanu will conduct population and behavioral recordings, data analysis and modeling. This project will lead to multidisciplinary training tailored to the student?s career interests. The student will be encouraged to submit first-author publications and apply for independent funding through an NRSA fellowship early during the PhD training. Achieving these goals will both contribute towards the grant aims and place the trainee in an advantageous position to achieve his personal goal of becoming an independent scientist.
The proposed research seeks to elucidate the code commanding a natural behavior and how this code changes with learning. The question will be addressed in the sound localization system of the owl. The aims of this project will elucidate the pattern of activity and network architecture of the entire population of sensory neurons driving behavior, before and after learning. The owl?s highly evolved processing capacity and characteristic head-turn toward sound offers unique advantages for connecting behavior with the underlying neural representation. The approach is multidisciplinary, combining high-throughput electrophysiology, electron microscopy, behavior and theory. If successful, this would be the first time a sound-driven behavior will be understood from the activity of the complete-population down to the microanatomy supporting it.
