Gallego Group
Research Themes
Targeting motor learning & execution
We have a long-standing interest in uncovering the principles of neural function during movement and motor learning. For example, we have shown that the collective dynamics of neural populations are stable over time and across individuals performing the same task, and how these dynamics change during different forms of learning or across tasks.
Approaches
Empirical Neuroscience
We record from large neural populations during various innate and trained behaviours in mice, and use behavioural and neural perturbations to isolate the unique contributions of different brain regions during motor learning, execution, and adaptation. We also perform complementary behavioural experiments and spinal motoneuron recordings in humans.
Computational Modelling
We are very interested in explanation in neuroscience, especially the "neural manifold view" of brain function, which posits that the collective dynamics of neural populations "do the doing" in the brain. We use models to test this notion, and also to explore hypotheses about motor learning and adaptation derived from experiments.
Biomedical Engineering
We often use using brain-computer interfaces to test hypotheses about neural function, and those insights along with our work on neural manifolds can be translated to neurotechnologies. As part of our human work, we are developing neural interfaces that allow people with motor disorders to control external devices using motoneuron activity.
