Gautam Agarwal, PhD

I am interested in how experimental design and modeling can inform each other in unpacking the complexity of brain function. In one line of research, I analyze brain waves recorded by hundreds of electrodes. While these waves were thought to be a blurry reflection of the underlying neuronal population, I find conditions in which these waves carry surprisingly precise information about ongoing behavior. In another line of research, I developed a game (available at hexxed.io) which I use to study how people discover solutions to hard problems. I find that humans display leaps of insight that distinguish them from current AI. Additionally, I collaborate with experimentalists who collect neural and behavioral data sets. Finally, I seek to interface neuroscience with other practices (such as medicine, psychology, meditation, dance, and media studies) to improve our quality of life both individually and collectively.

If you are a student who wants to pursue research in such directions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.