Michael Shadlen

American neuroscientist

Michael Shadlen at the NIH

Michael N. Shadlen is an American neuroscientist known for his work on the neural mechanisms of decision making. He is a professor of neuroscience at Columbia University and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Shadlen's research focuses on understanding how the brain processes information to make decisions, particularly in the context of cognitive neuroscience.

Early life and education

Michael Shadlen was born in New York City. He attended Brown University, where he received his undergraduate degree in biophysics. He then pursued a medical degree and a Ph.D. in neuroscience at Stanford University, where he worked under the mentorship of William T. Newsome. His doctoral research contributed significantly to the understanding of how neurons in the visual cortex contribute to perception and decision making.

Career

After completing his education, Shadlen joined the faculty at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he continued his research on decision making in the brain. In 2012, he moved to Columbia University, where he is a professor in the Department of Neuroscience. At Columbia, Shadlen is also a member of the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute.

Research

Shadlen's research is centered on the neural basis of decision making. He has made significant contributions to understanding how the brain integrates sensory information over time to make decisions. His work often involves recording the activity of neurons in the parietal cortex and other areas of the brain while subjects perform decision-making tasks. Shadlen's studies have provided insights into the role of neural circuits in cognition and have implications for understanding neurological disorders that affect decision making.

Contributions to neuroscience

Michael Shadlen is recognized for his pioneering work in the field of neuroeconomics, which explores the neural basis of economic decision making. His research has helped to elucidate the processes by which the brain evaluates options and makes choices, contributing to a deeper understanding of human behavior and cognition. Shadlen's work has also influenced the development of computational models of decision making, which are used to simulate and predict neural activity during decision-making tasks.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Shadlen has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to neuroscience. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Golden Brain Award from the Minerva Foundation.

Related pages

• Neuroscience
• Decision making
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Neuroeconomics