Our lab studies the brain mechanisms of flexible reward learning and value-based decisions (i.e. decisions involving effort, delay, and risk), with a focus on the contributions of frontal cortex. We also investigate neural and behavioral adaptations following chronic intravenous drug self-administration and voluntary alcohol experience. Another major goal of the lab is to contribute novel paradigms that readily translate across model systems. We use a variety of approaches to study these questions (see Techniques).                      

(video tracking credit: Dr. Andrew Howe)