We study pattern generation and homeostatic regulation in small neural networks with a combination of computational and experimental approaches. Our small neural network of choice is the pyloric pattern-generating circuit in the stomatogastric ganglion of the lobster, one of the best-characterized neural networks in biology.

The pyloric pattern-generating circuit in the stomatogastric ganglion of the lobster, Homarus americanus, and intracellular recordings showing the rhythmic motor pattern generated by the circuit. AB - Anterior Burster, PD - Pyloric Dilator, LP - Lateral Pyloric neuron, PY - Pyloric neuron. All chemical synapses in the circuit are inhibitory. Figures courtesy of Dirk Bucher.

Current research projects include the computational exploration of homeostatic regulatory mechanisms in neural circuits, the construction, visualization and analysis of high-dimensional model datasets, and the investigation of synchronization in networks of neural oscillators with hybrid network techniques.