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How does the brain compute visual information?
Four-area recording and modeling of overlapping receptive fields from Dr. Snyder’s lab.
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How do our eyes parse the world?
High-precision eye-tracking in the active perception lab of Drs. Poletti and Rucci.
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How do groups make decisions?
An experiment on collective decision-making in ants from Dr. Sasaki’s lab.
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How does the brain compute visual information?
Four-area recording and modeling of overlapping receptive fields from Dr. Snyder’s lab.
Learn MoreHow do our eyes parse the world?
High-precision eye-tracking in the active perception lab of Drs. Poletti and Rucci.
Learn MoreHow do groups make decisions?
An experiment on collective decision-making in ants from Dr. Sasaki’s lab.
Learn MoreMajors & Minors
Pursue a degree or take courses in brain and cognitive sciences. We also administer a concentration in neuroscience.
Graduate Studies
In our nationally ranked PhD program, graduate students are considered junior colleagues and future peers.
Research
Our research spans a large domain and straddles several disciplines in the cognitive, computational, and neural sciences.
Featured News
Why teens with autism struggle with speech intonation
September 16, 2024
A new study reveals that difficulties in adapting to changes in speech patterns may affect how adolescents with autism understand tone and meaning.
Learn More
Student Spotlight: Yue Guzhang
May 2, 2025
Yue Guzhang is a fourth-year student in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) Program at the University of Rochester. She received her undergraduate degree in BCS from the University. Guzhang works with Associate Professor Martina Poletti, PhD, in the Active Perception Lab, studying how attention and fixational eye movements influence our ability to see fine details in the fovea.
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How artificial general intelligence could learn like a human
April 3, 2025
Turns out, training artificial intelligence systems is not unlike raising a child. That’s why some AI researchers have begun mimicking the way children naturally acquire knowledge and learn about the world around them—through exploration, curiosity, gradual learning, and positive reinforcement.
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Sculpting the brain (without chisel or scalpel)
December 9, 2024
Imagine being able to inscribe a new pattern of activity into a person’s brain that would allow for faster learning, or better treatment of psychiatric and developmental disorders such as depression or autism. Now imagine being able to do that in a way that doesn’t require brain surgery or any physical manipulation. Sounds like science fiction?
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Turning brain cells on using the power of light
October 3, 2024
University of Rochester researchers have demonstrated a noninvasive method using BL-OG, or bioluminescent optogenetics, that harnesses light to activate neurons in the brain. The ability to regulate brain activation could transform invasive procedures such as deep brain stimulation that are used to treat Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.
Learn MoreWhy teens with autism struggle with speech intonation
September 16, 2024
A new study reveals that difficulties in adapting to changes in speech patterns may affect how adolescents with autism understand tone and meaning.
Learn MoreStudent Spotlight: Yue Guzhang
May 2, 2025
Yue Guzhang is a fourth-year student in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) Program at the University of Rochester. She received her undergraduate degree in BCS from the University. Guzhang works with Associate Professor Martina Poletti, PhD, in the Active Perception Lab, studying how attention and fixational eye movements influence our ability to see fine details in the fovea.
Learn MoreHow artificial general intelligence could learn like a human
April 3, 2025
Turns out, training artificial intelligence systems is not unlike raising a child. That’s why some AI researchers have begun mimicking the way children naturally acquire knowledge and learn about the world around them—through exploration, curiosity, gradual learning, and positive reinforcement.
Learn MoreSculpting the brain (without chisel or scalpel)
December 9, 2024
Imagine being able to inscribe a new pattern of activity into a person’s brain that would allow for faster learning, or better treatment of psychiatric and developmental disorders such as depression or autism. Now imagine being able to do that in a way that doesn’t require brain surgery or any physical manipulation. Sounds like science fiction?
Learn MoreTurning brain cells on using the power of light
October 3, 2024
University of Rochester researchers have demonstrated a noninvasive method using BL-OG, or bioluminescent optogenetics, that harnesses light to activate neurons in the brain. The ability to regulate brain activation could transform invasive procedures such as deep brain stimulation that are used to treat Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.
Learn MoreWhy teens with autism struggle with speech intonation
September 16, 2024
A new study reveals that difficulties in adapting to changes in speech patterns may affect how adolescents with autism understand tone and meaning.
Learn MoreUG Research
Undergraduates are encouraged to become engaged in research projects and gain valuable experience for postgraduate education, medical school, or employment.
Collaborations
Research in BCS is greatly enhanced by our strong ties with departments, programs, and research centers across the University, including the Medical Center.
Want more information about the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences? Contact us.
The Department of Psychology also offers PhD training in Clinical, Social, and Developmental Psychology.