Variability and learning in birdsong
Description
The birdsong system has become a paradigmatic example of biological learning. In this talk we will discuss how detailed biological responses can help this system to implement reinforcement learning. In particular, we will discuss the potential role of a newly identified excitatory neural signal in basal ganglia and how it may help to modulate basal ganglia synchrony and the variability required for learning.
Speaker Bio
Adrienne Fairhall is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Washington and co-director of the UW Institute for Neuroengineering. With a background in statistical physics (PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science), she uses theoretical concepts and modeling to understand principles of neural representation and computation.