Michael M. Merzenich

My primary research concerns defining the principles of the functional organization of the sensory, perceptual, and cognitive processing systems of the human brain. A main focus has been determining the dynamic processes that underlie the functional self-generation, within the brain, of individual behavioral capabilities. I study those processes by documenting distributed changes in neuronal responses and networks that are induced by skill learning and that account for progressive, practice-induced learning sequences and memory. I have used our growing understanding of those change processes to develop new models of the origins of common human neurological impairments. Most recently, my colleagues and I have focused on determining the neurological origins of language-based learning impairments and dyslexia; occupationally-based movement disorders; stuttering; schizophrenia and depression; and the progressive loss of perceptual, cognitive, and motor abilities with aging. On the bases of this work, we are now investigating the development and application of effective, novel neuroscience-based, computer-mediated remedial training strategies designed to more effectively treat these commonly disabling human conditions.