Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
Biopsychology Lab at Korea Univ.
Research
My laboratory investigates neural mechanisms of motivation and cognition using animal models. Specifically, we employ multiple techniques such as lesion, stimulation, pharmacological activation of brain regions and extracellular recording of neuronal activity while the animal is actively performing behavioral tasks. The behavioral tasks involve active avoidance of artificial and realistic threat and various learning and memory tasks in rodents. The main area of research is divided into three categories:
Motivational determinants of decision -making
- Go/No-Go decision making in a modified two-way active avoidance learning.
- Decision making in a semi-naturalistic environment involving a predator-like robot.
- Go/No-Go decision making in a modified two-way active avoidance learning.
- Decision making in a semi-naturalistic environment involving a predator-like robot.
Emotional & Cognitive changes during early developmental stages
- Effect of early dietary change on motivational and emotional behavior
- Neural networks involved in trace fear conditioning
Social cognition using animal models
- Screening of transgenic and knock-out mice
- Development of animal models for nervous system disorder
- Development of new test equipment for abnormal behavior
