Neuroscience research
I study computations in the brain: this includes deciphering the algorithms the brain uses to make sense the world, and uncovering the implementation of those algorithms on neural hardware. I do this by creating new experimental and statistics techniques to look at single neurons, local circuits, and brain-wide activity patterns across timescales.
Technical keywords: spatial transcriptomics, theoretical neuroscience, electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, V1, phantom oscillations, generalized drift-diffusion model, resting state fMRI, autocorrelation
Talks available online:
- The generalized drift diffusion model enables high-throughput screening of perceptual decision-making strategies
- Transient neuronal suppression for exploitation of new sensory evidence
I am currently a research fellow with Kenneth Harris and Matteo Carandini at UCL. I did my PhD in neuroscience with John Murray and Daeyeol Lee at Yale, my master’s in medical science with Ed Bullmore at Cambridge, and my undergrad in mathematics at the University of Minnesota.
Scientific software
- PyDDM is a simulator for the generalized drift-diffusion model (DDM) in cognitive neuroscience.
- spatiotemporal is a Python library for modeling spatial and temporal autocorrelation, especially in resting state fMRI data.
- CanD is a Python library for designing complex matplotlib layouts and multipanel figures
- Paranoid Scientist is a runtime verification Python library for scientific software.
- Find the versatility of a network. For more information see the original paper.
Other software
- worldti.me provides permanent links to the local time, useful for coordinating times across timezones
- WriteType helps elementary school students experience success in writing
- There are also several abandoned projects.
Also see my Github. All software listed here is available under the GNU GPLv3 unless otherwise specified.
Music
I compose music, primarily for theatre. I previously studied under Carol Barnett for 5 years. Audio files and instrumental parts are available upon request. All music is available under the Creative Commons BY-SA.
- An Empty Box of People - a musical
- If Only - The Musical
- Incidental Music for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (pdf) (parts)
- Sonata for Trombone and Piano (pdf)
- Chicago - For Chamber Orchestra (pdf)
Blog
I have a blog where I do fun data analyses. A few of my favourite posts are:
- Which word is the bird?
- Does “Flight of the Bumblebee” resemble bumblebee flight?
- Are buffets efficient?
- Optimality in card shuffling
Other
- The figures from my book, Instant MuseScore, are available under the Creative Commons BY-SA License.
- A music box soundfont which I am releasing as public domain.
- Various executive function tasks and experiments from the Zelazo Lab
- Here is a recent picture of me courtesy of (and copyright) Pat O’Leary.
- Here are some good (and not so good) books.
What’s with the domain name?
Contact
I extend an open invitation to email me, and I will try to respond promptly. I especially love talking to people who use my software, as well as receiving questions, comments, and constructive criticism about my work. We can meet in person if you are in the London area. (Idea blatantly stolen from Hillel Wayne and Simon Willison.)
Alternatively, you can send me an anonymous message.