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 statistical techniques to look at single neurons, local circuits, and brain-wide activity patterns across timescales.
Technical keywords: spatial transcriptomics, timescales, theoretical neuroscience, electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, V1, phantom oscillations, generalized drift-diffusion models, reliable component analysis, coppafish, 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 working at UCL with Kenneth Harris and Matteo Carandini. I did my PhD in neuroscience with John Murray and Daeyeol Lee, and my master’s in medical science with Ed Bullmore.
Scientific software
- CASTalign registers in vivo calcium imaging with ex vivo brain sections, such as from spatial transcriptomics or antibody staining
- Reliability Component Analysis (RCA) finds maximally reliable dimensions using contrastive learning (similar to PCA, but maximizing test-retest reliability instead of explained variance)
- PyDDM is a simulator for the generalized drift-diffusion model (DDM) in cognitive neuroscience.
- Zebra noise is a visual stimulus for neuron fingerprinting and mapping neuron visual responses properties
- 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.
Also see other software or my Github. All software listed here is available under the GNU GPLv3 unless otherwise specified.
Blog
I do fun data analyses on my blog. A few posts:
- Which word is the bird?
- Does “Flight of the Bumblebee” resemble bumblebee flight?
- Are buffets efficient?
- Optimality in card shuffling
Music
I compose music, primarily for theatre. I currently study in the Book, Music, Lyrics (BML) program, and previously studied under Carol Barnett. 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)
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.