Description
It’s been said that “neurons that fire together wire together”—but this is only part of the story. Learning involves neuroplastic refinement of neural circuits and networks, promoting effective coordination while weakening or pruning redundant connections. How can mathematical models help us understand this phenomenon? Using visual simulations of the Kuramoto model of synchronization, we will explore a central feature of neural complexity: how interactions among individual neurons give rise to coordinated activity across a network. I will introduce ideas from Dynamic Resource Theory to help us physically constrain this model through the distribution and availability of finite energetic resources. Finally, we will consider how training-related changes in network connectivity and synchrony could reduce energetic demands and support improved performance in visuomotor decision-making.
Date of Event
11/19/2026
Location
Parker 204
Included in
Untangling Neural Complexity
Parker 204
It’s been said that “neurons that fire together wire together”—but this is only part of the story. Learning involves neuroplastic refinement of neural circuits and networks, promoting effective coordination while weakening or pruning redundant connections. How can mathematical models help us understand this phenomenon? Using visual simulations of the Kuramoto model of synchronization, we will explore a central feature of neural complexity: how interactions among individual neurons give rise to coordinated activity across a network. I will introduce ideas from Dynamic Resource Theory to help us physically constrain this model through the distribution and availability of finite energetic resources. Finally, we will consider how training-related changes in network connectivity and synchrony could reduce energetic demands and support improved performance in visuomotor decision-making.
Presenter Bio
Dr. Kyle Cahill is a neurophysicist and postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health. An alumnus of Nova Southeastern University, he earned his Ph.D. in Physics at Georgia State University, where he studied experience-dependent changes in brain connectivity and visuomotor decision-making. His research combines theoretical physics, computational modeling, and neuroimaging to investigate human brain development, experience-dependent plasticity, and the relationship between brain function and behavior.