Matthew Chalk's research focuses on understanding how neural circuits transmit and transform incoming sensory signals, enabling perception and interaction with the environment.

He addresses these questions by constructing theoretical models of neural activity in low-level visual areas, such as the retina and primary visual cortex. Chalk uses these models to uncover principles that explain the observed patterns of neural activity in these regions. For instance, neurons in low-level visual areas are believed to encode simple aspects of visual scenes, such as local motion and changes in contrast. Chalk is interested in elucidating the mechanisms behind this encoding process and how functional objectives influence the dynamics and connectivity of neural circuits.

Experience

• Principal Investigator (2018 - present)

  Retinal Circuits & Computations

  Institut de la Vision

• Postdoctoral Researcher (2017 - 2018)

  Institut de la Vision

• Postdoctoral Researcher (2015 - 2017)

  Institute of Science and Technology, Austria

• Postdoctoral Researcher (2012 - 2015)

  Ecole normale superieure

Education

• PhD, Theoretical Neuroscience (2008 - 2012)

  University of Edinburgh