Feindel Virtual Brain and Mind Lecture Series: Making memories: Brain networks supporting episodic binding and reconstruction
Dr. Maureen Ritchey presents, "Making memories: Brain networks supporting episodic binding and reconstruction"
Registration available here.
Speaker: Maureen Ritchey, Ph.D.
Boston College Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Abstract: When we remember an event, we weave together its specific features into a coherent episode. In effect, we rebuild the world in our minds. How does the human brain accomplish this feat? In this talk, I will discuss the hippocampal and cortical network interactions that transform experience into memory. This transformation process begins at encoding, as feature representations are bound through the hippocampus and embedded within the spatiotemporal structure of events. As memories are retrieved, cortico-hippocampal networks interact to reconstruct these features into a richly detailed experience. I will highlight recent work suggesting that, within the posterior medial cortico-hippocampal network, there are distinct subnetwork alliances that support different aspects of episodic representations. Finally, I will discuss ongoing efforts to modulate the reconstruction of emotional memories, leveraging what we know about making memories to make them feel better.
Bio: I’m an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College, where I direct the Memory Modulation Lab. Before coming to BC, I completed my doctoral training at Duke University and my postdoctoral training at University of California Davis. In my lab, we use the tools of cognitive neuroscience to investigate the neural bases of episodic memory, including behavioral, fMRI, EEG, and eye-tracking methods. Our research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
The Feindel Virtual Brain and Mind (VBM) Seminar Series will advance the vision of Dr. William Feindel (1918–2014), Former Director of the Neuro (1972–1984), to constantly bridge the clinical and research realms. The talks will highlight the latest advances and discoveries in neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroimaging.
Speakers will include scientists from across The Neuro, as well as colleagues and collaborators locally and from around the world. The series is intended to provide a virtual forum for scientists and trainees to continue to foster interdisciplinary exchanges on the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of brain and cognitive disorders.
