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Welcome. As the Director of the Krasnow Institute for Advanced
Study, I view myself as a facilitator. My vision is to foster an intellectually
rigorous, yet at the same time nurturing environment for our scientific
faculty. Ideally, we want to reserve a place for the best scientists,
particularly those just beginning their careers, to conduct state-of-the-art
research into the nature of human cognition.
The Institute itself, just over 15 years old, is situated strategically
at the intersection of neurobiology, cognitive psychology and computer
science. Over the past six years, since moving into the current 23,000
square foot laboratory facility, the Institute's research program has
massively expanded with the addition of research programs funded
by agencies such as NIH, NSF and the Department of Defense. In addition
the Institute hosts several centers ranging from Neural Dynamics to Social Complexity. With the
growth, has come the urgent need for more research space and hence the current addition of 12,500 square feet to the current facility, in addition to an MRI brain imaging center. The Krasnow Institute has recently been
recognized in Congressional testimony, in the international and domestic
media, and of course most importantly through the recognition of our scientists'
research in peer-reviewed publications and grants. While there clearly
will be many challenges ahead, I am confident that the underlying quality
of the Institute's science and staff will ensure our success.
Scientific Interests:
My own scientific interests focus on the functional role of the mammalian
neocortex, hippocampus and cerebellum with special emphasis on how these
highly ordered neuroanatomical regions interact to store and retrieve
complex memories (ranging from face recognition to motor programs). At
the cellular level, I am also interested in the critical role protein
kinase C, a multi-member enzyme family, plays in transformation with special
emphasis on those changes associated with cellular memory.
Public Policy Interests:
Public policy is another priority of mine, especially with regard to
federal funding of biomedical research here in the United States and around
the world. Over the past five years, I have worked with other concerned
policymakers to ensure that biomedical research appropriations from Congress
are adequate to support America's expanding public health needs and to
support emerging biopharma technologies.
Publications (scientific and policy-related):
Publications
Courses Fall 2007:
NEUR 702 Syllabus
How to Reach Me:
I can be reached at jolds@gmu.edu and 703-993-4333.
Professional biography
Director's Blog
(7-07)
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