Evolution and development of dexterous motor skills

Oligodendrocyte development, cell biology, and disease

Gut-brain communication development, genomic mosaicism, and disease

IEE & ION Fall Rotation Talks

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

IEE 1:00PM-2:00PM

ION 2:00PM-3:00PM

177 Lawrence Hall

ION, Host: Shawn Lockery

2:00 PM  Ramzy Al-Mulla  Jaramillo (ION)

2:15 PM   Hylen James   Jaramillo (ION)

2:30 PM Will Gaston   Sylwestrak (ION)

2:45  PM  Alanna Sowles   Smear (ION/PSYCH)

We are having a Holiday Party.   Tuesday, December 9th from 4-6 pm Knight Campus ground floor lobby Families and Significant Others are Welcome. Please fill out this RSVP TODAY if you plan to attend and have not done so!  RSVP link was sent via ION listserve.

We are working to reschedule this visit to a later date. 

Lovelace Biomedical Research Team

Abstract:  Learning new skills requires synaptic plasticity in cortical circuits. How does the brain choose which synapses to change so learning is fast, efficient, and doesn’t degrade earlier skills or memories? Many models have been proposed, including those that underpin modern AI, but few allow direct measurement of connectivity and activity in the same circuit during learning. We developed an all‑optical method that combines large-scale connectivity mapping with a single-neuron brain computer interface, enabling us to track how both neural activity and synaptic connections evolve during learning. Our data support a 3‑factor Hebbian learning framework, in which performance feedback gates synaptic changes to reinforce useful activity patterns. I will also briefly preview ongoing efforts to identify neuromodulators such as norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and serotonin that may carry this feedback signal to the cortex.

Kayvon Daie profile