Scholl Lab

My lab studies synaptic networks. Each neuron receives a wide collection of inputs. These inputs can drive, suppress, or subtly modulate their target. The suite of operations neurons can perform are defined by these inputs and their dynamics. Outside network dynamics, the only way a neuron can dramatically change its operational capacity is through plasticity (e.g. learning, development) of these inputs. Thus, to understand how individual neurons and circuits transform information, we must build a fundamental understanding of synaptic networks. I believe this knowledge will extend beyond fundamentals and lead to novel insights into circuits in neurological and developmental disorders.

Our work uses a variety of techniques to study sensory processing within single cells and across large-scale populations in vivo. Historically this has been with electrophysiology (intracellular and extracellular recordings) and multiphoton calcium imaging. We have expanded to two-photon optogenetics, functional connectomics with electron microscopy, gene editing to disrupt naturally expressed proteins and receptors, and studying natural behaviors.

All people deserve to be treated equally, with dignity and respect. Our lab welcomes and encourages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to maintaining a supportive environment. Together, we strive for scientific excellence while learning and honing a variety of skills in the process.

Our lab is located within the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Colorado, Anschutz. We are part of the Visual Computation Cluster, along with Drs. Gidon Felsen, Alon Poleg-Polsky, and Den Denman. Our environment provides plenty of resources to share with interested students, trainees, or staff scientists.

Research Projects

1. Visualizing synapses in action

In the visual cortex, single neurons develop strong selectivity for features in the world. This project investigates how synaptic inputs are transformed into somatic outputs (spikes), using in vivo calcium imaging of dendritic spines on individual pyramidal neurons. By mapping these input/output relationships, we aim to uncover fundamental principles of neural computation in visual processing.

2. Probing cortical circuits in action

Neurons process information through inputs from local recurrent networks, which are thought to modulate activity by selectively amplifying or suppressing signals based on sensory context. This project maps the excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic partners of individual layer 2/3 neurons to uncover how these inputs shape circuit function in a carnivore model. We combine in vivo optogenetics, calcium imaging, and intracellular recordings to study these mechanisms at synaptic resolution.

3. Development of natural behavior and neural dynamics

Neural development is often thought of as a one-way process: experience shapes brain activity, which then guides how circuits grow and change. But this view overlooks something important—experience itself changes as the brain develops. As young animals grow, their behaviors evolve, and so do the ways they interact with the world.In our lab, we study this interaction by focusing on ferrets as they develop naturally. We track how visually guided behaviors—like movement, eye position, and body posture—emerge over time. At the same time, we examine how the brain’s visual circuits mature to support these behaviors. By combining behavioral tracking with tools for measuring brain activity, we aim to better understand how changes in the brain and behavior influence each other during development. This work gives us a new way to study how real-world experience shapes the growing brain.

4. Developmental spatial transcriptomics in visual circuits

We are using spatial transcriptomics to map gene expression across the ferret brain during key stages of visual system development, particularly around eye opening and the onset of natural hunting behavior. By preserving spatial context, we can capture how molecular programs evolve across distinct cortical layers and visual areas as circuits mature. This approach enables us to identify gene expression patterns that underlie the emergence of visually-guided behavior, providing a high-resolution molecular atlas of the developing ferret visual system.

5. Mechanisms of saccadic suppression in mouse superior colliculus

Every time we move our eyes—through quick motions called saccades—our brain must update what we see without confusing it with motion in the world. This project studies how visual and motor signals combine during these eye movements. We focus on the superior colliculus, a brain area that helps guide vision and eye movements. Some neurons here reduce their activity during saccades, while others increase it—suggesting different types of cells play distinct roles. Using tools like calcium imaging, Neuropixels recordings, and retinal physiology, we’re identifying the circuits that control how saccades change visual signals. This work helps explain how the brain maintains stable perception even as the eyes constantly move.

6. Collaborative computational projects

We are engaged in several collaborative projects with labs across the world. These projects range for image processing and analysis to helping model cortical circuits with real experimental data. Some of our collaborators include Matthias Kaschube (FIAS Germany), Alexander Huk (UCLA), Gordon Smith (UMN), Tal Laviv (Tel Aviv University, Israel), Jonathan Matthis (FreeMoCap), Jacob Yates (Berekley), and Brock Grill (Seattle Children's Hospital).