Aronov lab

How are neural activity dynamics related to the states of cognitive experience, like memories and thoughts? What patterns of activity underlie the storage and recall of a memory? How does this activity drive behavior?

We tackle these questions in a unique model system. The black-capped chickadee is a tiny bird with one of the most extraordinary capacities for memory in the animal world. Chickadees cache huge numbers of food items in their environment and use memory to find their caches later in time. Their behavior and neuroanatomy provide many unique opportunities for neuroscience research.