Nam Huu Vo


 

nhvo@uci.edu

 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My area of research focuses on understanding hippocampus function in modulating neocortical neural activities during episodic learning and memory tasks using a spatial learning on a virtual reality (VR) paradigm. For a bit of background, the hippocampus is known to consolidate short term memory to long term memory, a ‘great memory weaver’ per se, and is noted to play an important role in spatial mapping and navigation. During wakeful behavior, the hippocampus functions by encoding and storing memory into hierarchical modules throughout the neocortex (based on the Memory Index Theory). With the hippocampus as the highest association cortex, it stores a unique pattern of codes, indexing specific, interactive neocortical modules for a particular memory. Therefore, reactivation of memory index leads to reactivation of an array of neocortical modules allowing memory retrieval.

In order to assess the effects of hippocampal information flow to the neocortex, I utilize mouse models (sham and bilaterally lesioned) and train them on the spatial learning paradigm in virtual reality. For training, I run eye-blink conditioning trials using aversive air puffs to the eye which is delivered at a specific location in the VR; mice are then trained to associate air puffs to administered location. To test that these models are learning, there will be several blank trials where air puff is not given at administered location, but should still see the condition response (eye blink).  To visualize the relationship between the hippocampus and the neocortex, I have been trained to use a wide-field optical imaging technique, Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging (VSDI). Although relatively new, this technique is useful in monitoring/recording spontaneous neocortical activity, which is known to underlie processes such as memory recall and consolidation.   I predict that lesioned hippocampi models would lack the ability to learn on the VR paradigm and therefore, have altered neocortical activity in comparison to the sham, which demonstrates the significance of hippocampal functions in encoding memories to widespread neocortical modules.

I work exclusively with Dr. Soyun Kim.