Section 1 Overview
Inferring functional connectivity within the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a small brain center comprised of oscillatory neurons coupled together in a network. The SCN receives environmental light signals throught he optic nerve and synchronizes its oscillations to the external 24 hour cycle, creating the master circadian rhythm for the organism. The Pauls lab's current projects focus on understanding the connectivity and communication among neurons in the SCN that facilitate this synchronization. We have been developing data-driven models that allow us to analyze the impact of evolutionary pressure on the connectivity patterns and communication structure. Students in the lab perform both theoretical and computational analyses of these models and use simulations to understand what the models can tell us about the SCN.
If you are interested in joining the lab, take a look at Subsection 2.1