RESEARCH INTERESTS

Applied dynamical systems and mathematical biology:

dynamics of coupled oscillators and neuronal assemblies,

synchronization and information processing in neural networks,

motor control and physiology of Basal Ganglia in health and in Parkinson's disease.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

My research interests are in the area of mathematical and computational neuroscience, in particular, applications of dynamical systems to the problems of biology and medicine. I am using mathematical and computational methods to study the dynamics of the nervous system to get insights into its function. My current research is concentrated on the dynamics of basal ganglia – brain nuclei, which, among other things, control motor programs and are impacted in Parkinson’s disease. Despite the large amount of factual knowledge about basal ganglia at all levels – from cells to behavior, the principles of function of basal ganglia in Parkinson’s disease (and other diseases involving basal ganglia) and even in normal conditions are far from being fully understood. There is mounting experimental evidence that complex collective dynamics of interaction of various ionic channels and various cells are responsible for normal basal ganglia operation and pathological variations of these dynamics are responsible for its pathophysiology. Mathematical models help to bridge the gap between different levels of biological knowledge, provide insights about the principles of the function of neuronal system and be effective tool for the development of practical applications (such as treatment strategies). What is no less important, theoretical approach to basal ganglia function can help us to elucidate general principles of human brain function.

RESEARCH PROJECTS (current and old)

Modeling mechanisms of Parkinsonian tremor

(with Robert Worth, Indiana University School of Medicine)

Rhythmic basal ganglia activity and deep brain stimulation

(with Robert Worth, Indiana University School of Medicine)

Dynamics of basal ganglia motor control networks: oscillations and synchronization

(with Jose Hurtado and Karen Sigvardt, University of California, Davis)

Modeling of Basal Ganglia motor control networks

(with Nancy Kopell and Karen Sigvardt, Boston University and University of California, Davis)

Effect of brain lesions on Basal Ganglia activity

(with Karen Sigvardt and Vicki Wheelock, University of California, Davis)

more old stuff (done in Russia in late XX century):

Dynamics and synchronization in networks of coupled oscillators

Finally, Neuroscience - is it really a science??? (Look at the opinion of Open Office 1.1.2)