We are studying the encoding and retention of memories for time in humans in collaboration with Brian Rakitin of the Columbia University Medical Center and Cindy Gooch of University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, in collaboration with Randy Gallistel of Rutgers University we are developing a formal information theory model of temporal learning. Once learning about temporal relationships has occurred we also study how this information can be used to flexibly guide behavior through the use of temporal maps.

In collaboration with Jon Horvitz (CUNY) and Mark West (Rutgers) we do pharmacological studies to understand how dopamine affects the learning and usage of temporal information. We also use mice that are either deficient or overexpress a particular kind of dopamine receptor to study dopaminergic influences on timing. Converging evidence demonstrates both cognitive and motivational deficits in these mice. These studies are done in collaboration with Eleanor Simpson, Christoph Kellendonk and Eric Kandel at Columbia University and NYSPI.

Another strategy that we are using to investigate the neural basis of timing is to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to perturb the circuits that underlie interval timing. TMS is a tool designed to alter neural responses by using a magnetic field to induce electrical activity in the brain. We are interested in understanding how targeted brain regions are involved in learning and remembering time. This work is being done in collaboration with Bruce Luber of the Brain stimulation & therapeutic modulation division, NYSPI.

Our research aims to see if there are measurable differences between patients with schizophrenia and controls on various timing tasks and how deficits in timing are related to other cognitive deficits, such as working memory and attention. Furthermore, we are attempting to deduce whether there are marked differenced in performance on this timing task within the schizophrenic population, and if these differences can be correlated to specific symptoms of schizophrenia. This work is being conducted in conjunction with Anil Malhotra and Pamela DeRosse at Hillside Hospital in Long Island, NY, with Chara Malapani and Gerard Bruder at Columbia University, and with Arielle Stanford of the Brain Stimulation & Therapeutic Modulation division, NYSPI.

In collaboration with Jon Horvitz at Boston College, we are doing studies in rats and mice on how drugs of abuse affect temporal information processing. Additionally, we also study how drugs of abuse affect memory for time though our collaboration with Carl Hart and Sandra Comer in the Division of Drug Abuse , NYSPI.