Dartmouth Events

Transforming visual experiences into adaptive long-term memories

Abstract: Long-term memory allows humans to exploit information encountered in the past in order to behave more adaptively in the present. However, our memories are not perfect snapshots of our perceptual experiences. My research explores the cognitive and neural pressures that shape what sensory information is stored in long-term memory and how this information is stored in a way that benefits later behavior. In my talk, I will highlight a series of fMRI experiments that seek to determine (i) how the visual content of memory is actively molded by competing memories, task factors, and intrinsic neural architecture; and (ii) how these memory transformations promote adaptive behavior. Together, these experiments highlight the diverse pressures on human visual memory and how they combine to produce a system that is flexible, efficient, and adaptive.

About the Innovators in Cognitive Neuroscience series

This seminar series is devoted to highlighting innovative, disruptive advances in cognitive neuroscience. Innovators in Cognitive Neuroscience also is dedicated to leveraging science as a vehicle for social justice. Through this seminar series we hope to recognize outstanding research conducted by historically underrepresented groups (HURG) in Cognitive Neuroscience and related fields, including women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people/individuals with disabilities. Innovators in Cognitive Neuroscience is a formal collaboration between Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Harvard University, Columbia University, and Gallaudet University. It is funded by the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Dartmouth College. ASL interpretation is provided for all ICN talks.