Description:

The Department of Physiology welcomes Melissa Warden, Ph.D.

Abstract

Striking an adaptive balance between persistently working toward goals and quickly responding to important events is essential for survival.  Here, we will discuss our recent research on the role of neuromodulation in regulating the balance between goal-directed and reactive behaviors using optical methods in mice. We will present evidence that phasic activity in serotonin neurons promotes fast, context-dependent behavioral reactions to important environmental/internal events, and will discuss new findings showing that ramping activity in dopamine neurons requires attending to goal proximity.