Local Circuits: The Neuroscience of Social Connections
How do we connect?
Humans, like many other organisms, seem to be inherently wired to be social. How is social information processed in the brain? What can we learn about the neurobiology of social connections from other species?
Social interactions play a critical role in our lives, as demonstrated by the mental health impacts we see when these connections are disrupted. Research across fields and animal models highlights the intricate relationship between genes, brain circuits, and experience as we navigate social environments — from maternal care and social touch, to aggression, isolation, and group dynamics.
On October 29, everyone at Columbia is invited to explore the many ways we shape and are shaped by the social world at The Neuroscience of Social Connections, the Institute’s inaugural “Local Circuits” Affiliates Symposium. Join experts from across Columbia University, in psychology; psychiatry; biological sciences; ecology, evolution and environmental biology; and epidemiology, who will contribute diverse perspectives on this complex topic.
The Zuckerman Institute’s Local Circuits talk series features our Affiliate Faculty program. This program brings together Columbia faculty to share their research of mind, brain and behavior, and fosters collaboration around cross-cutting themes. Positioned centrally at Manhattanville, the Zuckerman Institute provides a connection point between campuses and allows experts in different disciplines to come together in pursuit of a better understanding of the mind and brain.
All Columbia ID holders are welcome, registration required.
Opening remarks:
Katrina Armstrong, MD, Interim President of Columbia University and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Speakers:
1:10 PM
Kevin Ochsner, PhD, Professor of Psychology
1:40 PM
Ishmail Abdus-Saboor, PhD, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Principal Investigator in the Zuckerman Institute
2:10 PM
Kevin Bath, PhD, Associate Professor of Clinical Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry), CUIMC
2:40 PM
Katherine Keyes, PhD, MPH, Professor of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health
3:10 PM
Coffee Break
3:35 PM
Trainee Data Blitz:
Anna Vannucci, PhD Student, Department of Psychology, Tottenham Lab
Jonathan Kasdin, PhD Student, Neurobiology and Behavior, Gadagkar Lab
John Andrew Chwe, PhD Student, Department of Psychology, Freeman Lab
Pegah Kassraian, PhD, Associate Research Scientist, Zuckerman Institute, Siegelbaum Lab
4:20 PM
Andrés Bendesky, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Principal Investigator in the Zuckerman Institute
4:50 PM
Meghan Meyer, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology
5:20 PM
Closing Remarks and Cocktail Reception
