I study computational models of learning, memory and attention. Right now I'm researching the reinforcement learning of covert visual attention shifts, among other things.

I use behavioral and fMRI techniques to test predictions from models.

You can download my CV in PDF form by clicking here.

Some of the questions I'm interested in:

• How does reward influence attention at the neural network level?

• How does reinforcement result in the coordination of activity across large neural systems?

• How can we move information from one part of a neural network to another?

• How can independently developed neural network models of brain regions be made to interoperate?

Here is some software I've developed during my research. You are free to use any of this source code in your work as long as you acknowledge me. I hope to get around to selecting a more specific open source license soon.

• Computational Modeling

NNQL

My project to develop a simple but powerful neural network simulation language inspired by SQL. NNQL minimizes programming time, maximizes clarity of model descriptions, and improves communication between modelers and non-modelers.

Adaptive Reading Agent Simulator

(Runs in a GUI) Train a Reinforcement Learning agent to control its saccadic eye movements as it reads words of various lengths and word identification difficulties. Outputs data in MATLAB matrix format for easy analysis.

Recurrent McCulloch-Pitts Network

Train and test a Levy-style recurrent neural network of spiking McCulloch-Pitts neurons.

• fMRI

SVM Weight Extractor

Handy script that extracts weights from the SVM generated by MATLAB's bioinformatics toolbox so you can look at the value of your decision variables.

ASL Eye Tracker Driver

This Java code allows you to get gaze information from ASL eye trackers via a serial port connection for gaze-contingent paradigms. It interprets the binary data from the controller.

EPI Noise Echo Cancellation

If you need to hear your participant in real time during your fMRI experiment, this ChucK script allows you to cancel out the scanner noise during EPI data acquisition.

Patryk was born in New York and grew up in Africa and in the Caribbean.

He's not as good in Polish as he is in Haitian Creole, but can manage to ask for directions.