Norma Kühn

How do our brains process sensory information to effectively interact with our environment? How do neurons transmit information? I want to understand how visual information coming from the retina is combined in central brain areas to drive behavior.

The superior colliculus is one of the main recipients of retinal inputs and triggers both orientating and defensive behaviors. By using calcium imaging in awake mice, I aim to identify how neurons in this area, combine the retinal signals along their dendritic tree to respond to an approaching threat or draw attention to objects of interest. With this, I will reveal first principles by which sensory information is combined in central neurons to drive behavior.