People

Since starting the lab in 2008 I have been interested in examining how our brains enable us to remember our experiences. My background is in systems neuroscience and that still forms the backbone of the research in the lab with current experiments using single unit recording and immediate early gene imaging combined with genetic manipulations and molecular tools to examine the role of the hippocampal-entorhinal network in memory. In recent years the lab has expanded and through collaborations with colleagues from St Andrews and further afield we are looking at human episodic memory using fMRI and episodic cognition in preschool children. I am also interested in applying all of this work to help us understand disorders of memory such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Twitter: @JamieAinge

I’m a post doc investigating the role of adult born granule cells in pattern separation and episodic memory. I am interested in how adult born granule cells recruit interneurons and integrate into hippocampal circuitry.

I am interested in the role of grid cells and the MEC in spatial navigation and path integration.

I’m a research technician helping to support the team on a BBSRC funded project looking at the role of the LEC in episodic memory. More specifically, I am interested in the role of neurogenesis in pattern separation, and the neural circuitry underpinning episodic memory. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy playing guitar, hiking and hanging out with my cat

I work on an interdisciplinary project with Jamie and the School of Medicine, jointly supervised by Prof. Gozde Ozakinci & Dr Andrew Williams, where we have been evaluating the health impacts of a nationwide workplace physical activity programme. As well as the physical and mental benefits of physical activity, we’ve also had a particular interest in the potential influences on cognitive health, including episodic memory and sustained attention. When not working, I‘m likely to be found on the golf course or a football field!

Twitter: @SamWarne145

I am interested in the neural mechanisms underlying memory encoding and consolidation. My aim is to examine the role of lateral entorhinal-hippocampal circuits in these processes by combining behavioural measures together with genetic and molecular techniques. I am also interested in investigating the neural underpinnings of multimodal memory. In my free time I enjoy hiking and dog-walking.

I am interested in the neural bases of episodic memory and how these are modified by experience and ageing. In particular, I aim to combine environmental enrichment, electrophysiology and behavioral measures to investigate the role of adult neurogenesis in modulating hippocampal activity, and in promoting successful cognitive ageing. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy traveling, writing and a good episode of The Bold Type.

I am jointly supervised by Emma Wood (University of Edinburgh) and Jamie Ainge. My work focuses on the neural networks via which sensory information is integrated into a full spatial/episodic memory. I am using neuronal manipulations in mice to look into the function of entorhinal-hippocampal circuits in this process.

Twitter: @_sephMoore

I am jointly supervised by Matt Nolan (University of Edinburgh) and Jamie Ainge. My work involves investigating intrinsic properties of MEC and LEC deep layer neurons and their roles within the entorhinal-hippocampal circuit involved in episodic memory. In order to do this, I apply in vitro electrophysiology, optogenetics, CRACM, and anatomical techniques such as the injection of tracers and immunohistochemistry. 

I am interested in the neural basis of path integration and distance perception and how these cognitive functions may be affected in Alzheimer’s Disease. In my spare time I enjoy training in Karate and watching films. I also have a keen interest in golf, despite a fundamental lack of talent.

I have an intellectual passion for episodic memory research, an intrinsic passion for behavioural economics and an extrinsic passion to be able to play Joe Satriani’s “Starry Night” (especially the fast part between 2:20 and 2:28).

Twitter: @mvkuruvilla; Our Memories, Our Selves website; Our Memories, Our Selves YouTube channel

I am interested in the role of LEC in memory for integrated aspects of our experience. In my previous work I have examined the role of dopamine neurons in reward expectancy.

I am interested in the role of the hippocampus and surrounding cortical network in spatial navigation and episodic memory.

I am generally interested in the neural basis of episodic memory. I aim to combine electrophysiology and behavioural measures in rodents to investigate how episodic memory is supported within the brain. Outside of the lab, I enjoy literature, creative writing, and a good glass of wine.

Twitter: @brivandrey

I am interested in the cognitive and neural processes involved in separating past events in memory. Using a combination of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, my aim is to elucidate which cues are used to distinguish one event from another, and what parts of the brain are involved in processing these cues. In my spare time I enjoy coffee, running, ice hockey, and reading.

Twitter: @BjornPers

I am currently interested in both the cognitive and neural processes which support our ability to distinguish between things which are new to us and things which aren’t. I hope to combine cognitive neuroscience and behavioural neuroscience to gain insights into the boundary between novelty and memory.

Twitter: @MagsPitt

I’m jointly supervised by Jamie Ainge and Amanda Seed, studying the evolution and development of episodic memory in pre-school children and non-human primates. I am interested in developing a paradigm that can be used across multiple taxa and age groups to provide more robust comparisons of the cognitive capabilities of these individuals. I also organise Bright Club St Andrews, a stand-up comedy night for local researchers.

Twitter: @emmielociraptor

I am interested in the development of episodic cognition. My research examines how childrens ability to think about the future and make plans emerges in early childhood.