Michael J. Frank, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dept of Cognitive & Linguistic Sciences
Dept of Psychology
Brown Institute for Brain Science
Dept of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
Brown University
190 Thayer St
Providence RI 02912-1978
Phone: (401) 863-6872
Fax: (401) 863-2255
Office: Metcalf Research 329B
email: anti-spam email addr img
http://ski.cog.brown.edu

Laboratory for Neural Computation and Cognition



Research

  • Curriculum Vitae (PDF).
  • Publications (downloadable).

    Our research combines computational modeling and experimental work to understand the
    neural mechanisms underlying reinforcement learning, decision making and working memory.
    We develop biologically-based neural models that simulate systems-level interactions
    between multiple brain areas (primarily basal ganglia and frontal cortex and their modulation
    by dopamine). We test theoretical predictions of the models using various neuropsychological,
    pharmacological, genetic, and neuroimaging techniques.

  • People
  • Media and Web Coverage
  • Basal ganglia model in action: Animated movies

  • Education


    Teaching

    Fall 2009:
    Computational Cognitive Neuroscience

    Current (Spring 2010)
    COGS 1861: Cognitive Control Functions of the Prefrontal Cortex (seminar; co-taught with Prof. David Badre)

    Description: The prefrontal cortex has long been known to support higher cognitive functions, including working memory, planning, reasoning, and decision making. This seminar offers an in-depth review of recent empirical and theoretical approaches to understanding prefrontal cortex function, with a particular focus on the cognitive control of thought and action. Each week will pair computational modeling and empirical papers that frame the current central debates in the frontal lobe literature.

    Prior courses:
    Reinforcement Learning Seminar
    Honors Seminar on Computational Approaches to Cognitive Neuroscience
    Cognitive Functions of the Prefrontal Cortex


    Personal Stuff


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