Research – Decision Neuroscience Laboratory

Overview

Our research addresses a central question in cognitive neuroscience: How does general intelligence – the remarkable capacity to solve a wide spectrum of diverse and challenging problems – emerge from the network topology and dynamics of the human connectome? Through an integrative approach that combines cognitive experimentation, computational modeling, high-resolution neuroimaging (3T and 7T MRI), and neuropsychological patient studies, we aim to uncover the neural architecture of intelligence and its contributions to adaptive reasoning and flexible problem solving. Our research seek to achieve a deeper understanding of the neural foundations of intelligence and to enable scientific innovation in cognitive enhancement, neurorehabilitation, and biologically inspired artificial intelligence.

To achieve these objectives, our research pursues three interconnected themes: (1) To understand the network topology and dynamics of human intelligence (Theme 1: Human Intelligence), (2) To identify principles of network organization and plasticity in traumatic brain injury (Theme 2: Traumatic Brain Injury), and (3) To translate advances in neuroscience into personalized interventions to promote cognitive performance and resilience across the lifespan (Theme 3: Scientific Interventions).

0_Research_Page_Image (1)

Human Intelligence

Uncovering the network topology & dynamics of intelligence

The human brain is a system like no other, capable of applying knowledge and experience to solve the infinite variety of problems we encounter in life. But the brain doesn’t only solve familiar problems – it adapts to new environments, learns to discover and understand what was once unknown, and creates truly original solutions. Our research aims to understand how this capacity for general intelligence emerges from the network topology and dynamics of the human connectome.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Identifying principles of network organization & plasticity

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the network organization of the human connectome, impairing neural communication in distinct ways. Our research on Vietnam War veterans with penetrating head injuries demonstrates how focal damage to specific networks leads to deficits in cognitive control, social problem solving, and emotional intelligence. In contrast, sports-related concussions may cause diffuse microstructural damage that weakens global network connectivity, compromising the brain’s ability to integrate information across distributed networks. Our research investigates how different profiles of injury alter the structural organization and functional dynamics of the connectome. By understanding how these injuries disrupt local and global network communication, we gain new insight into their diverse effects on cognitive, social, and emotional functions.

Scientific Interventions

Establishing personalized interventions to enhance performance

The remarkable plasticity of the human connectome has inspired a new generation of interventions designed to modulate brain function, shaping the connectivity and dynamics of neural networks to promote learning and resilience throughout life. While traditional methods rely on a single intervention modality, emerging multimodal approaches integrate multiple methods to amplify their effects. Our research investigates the efficacy of these approaches across diverse populations, aiming to develop personalized interventions that are tailored to the needs of the individual and designed for specific performance goals.

Overview

Human Intelligence

Traumatic Brain Injury

Scientific Interventions

Research Sponsors

Contact

Affiliations