Todd Braver, PhD
Studies of cognitive (executive) control and prefrontal cortex function using cognitive neuroscience methods (fMRI, computational, behavioral, clinical)
- Email: tbraver@nospam.wustl.edu
Professor
Psychological and Brain Sciences
Neurosciences Program
Keywords:
aging, attention, behavior, fMRI, prefrontal cortex, systems neuroscience
Research:
My research centers on how humans exert control over their thoughts and behaviors, a capability termed cognitive control. The concept of cognitive control is central to our notions of consciousness, agency, and will. Higher-level cognitive functions such as attention and short-term or working memory are thought to rely critically on control processes. Conversely, the loss of cognitive control is a major component of many neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia. As such, I believe elucidating the mechanisms of cognitive control is a fundamental goal for psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. The ultimate goal of my own research program is to contribute to our understanding of how cognitive control emerges in the brain, in terms of the interactions between neural processing elements, and without recourse to “homunculus”-type explanations. Because of this goal, my research approach is both integrative and inter-disciplinary, combining behavioral studies, computational modeling, and cognitive neuroscience methods.