Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1990

We combine electrophysiological recordings and detailed computer modeling to examine how neurons in the basal ganglia and in the cerebellum process their inputs. In particular we are interested in the functional significance of inhibition and of active neural properties in network processing. We also apply these concepts to investigate the mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of deep brain stimulation using multisite recordings in anesthetized rodents. The ultimate goal of this work is to understand the motor function of basal ganglia and cerebellar networks in normal and disease states.