Joshua Jacobs

Via these recordings, he and his team identify neural patterns that reveal how the brain represents memory for spatial locations and maps. Understanding this system is important not only for explaining how humans navigate, but also because it will elucidate how the brain supports various types of memory processes and suggest treatments for disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease. The lab performs this work in close collaboration with neurosurgeons and neurologists at several hospitals, including Columbia University Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University, Emory University, and University of Texas.

There are several broader goals of this work. First, the team is interested in comparing the neural representation of space between humans and animals to identify common and distinctive aspects of spatial coding between species. Second, they test whether the neural coding of location during movement is similar to the brain patterns used to encode memories. Third, they engage in translational research to develop brain stimulation protocols for enhancing spatial memory to help people who experience cognitive impairment due to aging or disease.

Jacobs received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in computer science in 2001 and 2002. In 2008, he received his PhD in neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Research Areas

• Chemistry and Physics of Atmospheric Aerosol Particles and Ice in the Environment
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Air Quality
• Climate