Research Symposium

BIO

Liam is currently a freshman at FSU studying Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, from Melbourne, FL. As a research assistant in the Kira Lab, Liam hopes to expand his understanding of the field of Neuroscience, combining interests from various disciplines. Liam hopes to pursue a career in research medicine through an MD/PhD program.

Investigating Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Generalization Using a Virtual Reality Paradigm

Abstract

The ability to use past experiences to guide behavior in new situations, known as generalization, is a fundamental brain function, guiding decision-making and adaptation to changing environments. Understanding these neural mechanisms can help support the development of treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions where generalization is often impaired and improve the flexibility of artificial intelligence systems. To study these processes, a virtual reality (VR) navigation paradigm was developed to examine navigation based decision-making processes and the underlying neural activity while in the virtual environment. Movement on the system is tracked by optical sensors and translated into real-time displacement within the VR environment where mice perform behavioral tasks. Further studies will also incorporate two-photon microscopy to measure neuronal activity during behavioral tasks, investigating how neural circuits support generalization across changing environments.

Keywords: neuroscience, learning, VR, generalization, mice