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Michael Long

 

 

Monday 16th June 2014

Time: 4pm

 

Basement Seminar Room

Alexandra House, 17 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AR

 

How does the brain generate sequences for behavior?

Complex motor sequences such as speaking are central to our everyday lives, but little is known about the relevant microcircuitry enabling these behaviors. In the zebra finch, a dedicated cortical sequence-generating nucleus known as HVC controls song production.
Using a range of experimental techniques to manipulate and monitor circuit activity, we have begun to establish a mechanistic understanding of the cellular and circuit activity underlying premotor sequence generation in the zebra finch. Specifically, we have uncovered the mechanisms by which network sparsity is achieved and the role of recurrent sensory feedback in the maintenance of premotor patterns. Through initial investigations into mammalian vocal production circuitry, we are attempting to generalize our findings across systems.

Short Bio:
Michael Long’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which neurons work together to enable skilled movements. Towards that end, he has developed innovative approaches to monitor and manipulate
motor-related neural circuits underlying complex behavioral sequences.
His work extends to a variety of model systems, including humans, songbirds, and a wild-caught Costa Rican rodent species. In his young career, Michael has received a number of awards and fellowships
including the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fellowship Award in the Neurosciences, the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award, and the Robertson Investigator Award from the New York Stem Cell Foundation.

Dr. Long received his PhD from Brown University, and he completed his postdoctoral training in the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at
MIT.