Daniel Tranel

Daniel Tranel

Daniel Tranel, Ph.D.

Nationality	American
Known for	Research on brain damage and emotion

Daniel Tranel is a prominent American neuroscientist and neuropsychologist known for his extensive research on brain function, particularly in the areas of emotion, memory, and decision-making. He is a professor at the University of Iowa and has contributed significantly to the understanding of how brain damage affects cognitive and emotional processes.

Early Life and Education

Daniel Tranel was born in [birth place] and pursued his higher education at the University of Iowa, where he earned his Ph.D. in [field of study]. His early work focused on the neural mechanisms underlying human cognition and emotion.

Career

Tranel has spent the majority of his career at the University of Iowa, where he has been involved in both teaching and research. He is affiliated with the Department of Neurology and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Tranel is also a key member of the Iowa Neurological Patient Registry, which has been instrumental in his research on brain lesions and their effects on behavior.

Research Contributions

Tranel's research has primarily focused on understanding the neural substrates of emotion and decision-making. He has conducted pioneering studies using patients with focal brain lesions to investigate how specific areas of the brain contribute to different cognitive and emotional functions.

Emotion and the Brain

One of Tranel's significant contributions is his work on the role of the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in emotion processing. His studies have shown that damage to these areas can lead to profound changes in emotional behavior and decision-making.

Memory and Cognition

Tranel has also explored the neural basis of memory, particularly how different types of memory are affected by brain damage. His work has helped delineate the roles of the hippocampus and other medial temporal lobe structures in memory formation and retrieval.

Decision-Making

In collaboration with other researchers, Tranel has investigated how brain lesions impact decision-making processes. His research has provided insights into the neural circuits involved in evaluating risk and reward, contributing to the broader understanding of neuroeconomics.

Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor, Tranel is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of neuroscientists and neuropsychologists. He teaches courses on neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical neuropsychology, emphasizing the integration of research and clinical practice.

Awards and Honors

Tranel has received numerous awards for his contributions to neuroscience and neuropsychology, including [list of awards]. His work is widely cited and respected in the scientific community.

Also see

• Neuroscience
• Neuropsychology
• Brain lesion
• Emotion
• Decision-making