Michael Campos, Ph.D.

I research the neural mechanisms of preference-based decision-making. Specifically, I investigate how sensorimotor circuits interface with reward circuits in the brain to produce self-motivated choice behavior. Having earned my PhD in one of the leading brain-machine interface labs, I am also interested in applying BMI technology to clinical disorders of affective decision-making.

Currently I am engaged in a study that compares behavior in a simple juice reward task with television viewing behavior. We are simultaneously recording from groups of neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex known to encode the subjective value of gustatory choices. The research may uncover general mechanisms for a broad range of non-adaptive behaviors directed towards "rewards" that have little to no survival value. On the technical side, I also collaborate with others in developing methods to isolate neurons automatically.

curriculum vitae

Papers:

Campos M., B. Breznen, R.A. Andersen. “Separate representations of Target and Timing Cue Locations in SEF.” Journal of Neurophysiology. Published online Nov. 12, 2008. In press.

Campos M., A. Cherian, M.A. Segraves.  “Effects of eye position upon activity of neurons in macaque superior colliculus.” Journal of Neurophysiology.  95: 505-526, 2006.  First published 9/28/2005.

Campos M., B. Breznen, K. Bernheim, R.A. Andersen. “The supplementary motor area encodes reward expectancy in eye movement tasks.”  Journal of Neurophysiology.  94: 1325-1335, 2005. First published April 20, 2005.

Campos, M., E. Bonabeau, G. Theraluz, J-L. Deneubourg.  "Dynamic Scheduling and Division of Labor in Social Insects."  Adaptive Behavior. Vol. 8-2.  p 83-92. Spring 2001