dynamic brain lab

information processing
memory
electrophysiology
development
aging

We are a research group at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL.

We study the brain dynamics underlying information encoding, retrieval, and use across the human lifespan, from neurons to large-scale networks.

Research combines methods from cognitive psychology and human neuroscience, including invasive and noninvasive electrophysiology, electrical stimulation, structural neuroimaging, and eye tracking.

Outcomes of our research advance basic science and translate to better quality of life.

news

new paper on brain network dynamics for memory

Memory depends on coordination between local processing, indexed by high-frequency broadband (HFB) activity, and global network organization, indexed by theta rhythms. We used direct brain recordings from key regions supporting…

new paper on brain networks for executive control

Executive control enables us to compare stored and incoming information in mind, and has traditionally been attributed to the prefrontal cortex. Using scalp EEG, we reveal that individuals with more…

new paper on high-frequency brain activity in infants

High-frequency broadband activity (HFB) tracks local activity from populations of neurons, but has been limited to invasive measures due to signal drop off through the skull. We reveal that HFB…

new paper on mismatch detection

Our brains compare what we expect to see with what we actually see, helping us spot mistakes – that is, when sensory input is mismatched to our internal prediction. Prior…

new paper on the development of aperiodic brain activity

Aperiodic activity reflects neural noise, with flatter slopes indexing increased noise and excitability. Using direct brain recordings in a large sample of neurosurgical patients aged 5-54 years, we discovered that…

rainbow for pride month

Happy June! We proudly support the LGBTQ+ community, promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Read more about our mission and values here. We remain steadfast in our…

Dr. Johnson featured on the Scientific Sense podcast

Our research aims to uncover mechanistic explanations of the neural basis of human behavior, that is, move from where to how. Our goals are multifaceted: (1) advance fundamental science by…

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.