Theresa M. Desrochers, Ph.D.
Position: Rosenberg Family Assistant Professor of Brain Science,
Departments of Neuroscience; Psychiatry and Human Behavior (courtesy),
and Carney Institute for Brain Science
Email: theresa_desrochers@brown.edu
CV: https://vivo.brown.edu/display/tdesroch​
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DesrochersLab
Mastodon: https://neuromatch.social/@DesrochersLab
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/desrocherslab.bsky.social

Katherine Conen, Ph.D.
Email: katherine_conen@brown.edu

Overview:I am interested in understanding how neural circuits represent the structure of behavior across time. Using approaches from systems neuroscience, I study how neurons in prefrontal areas encode information about sequence progression, focusing in particular on transition points in the task structure. Ultimately, this work will provide insight into the hierarchical and sequential relationships the primate brain uses to link percepts and behaviors into complex actions and predictive models.

Nadira Yusif Rodriguez
Email: nadira_yusif_rodriguez@brown.edu

Overview: I am interested in identifying how and which brain areas support abstract sequence processing, focusing mainly on the role of the PFC during these sequential processes. Through the use of fMRI, statistical and instrumental behavioral tasks, I aim to determine the neural mechanisms involved, to understand these necessary abstract sequences that we use in day to day life. 

Matthew Maestri
Email: matthew_maestri@brown.edu

Overview: Prior to managing the Desrochers Lab, Matthew was a Research Assistant in a neuroscience lab at Augusta State University, formerly the Medical College of Georgia.

Hannah Doyle
Position: Neuroscience Graduate Student
Email: hannah_doyle1@brown.edu

Overview: I am broadly interested in using primate and human fMRI to study cognitive control mechanisms that dictate our day to day lives. In particular I aim to better understand brain areas involved in sequential processing and how these neural mechanisms might go awry in people with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.

Rolake Feyisetan ’24
Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Email: rolake_feyisetan@brown.edu

Overview: I am a neuroscience concentrator broadly interested in learning about how developmental and/or adverse events affect the brain and behavior. I look forward to using human fMRI to study how the brain processes sequential tasks in people with obsessive compulsive disorders. 

Monica Ocitti ’24
Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Email: monica_ocitti@brown.edu

Overview: I am a neuroscience concentrator interested in how the brain encodes changes/disruptions in sequential tasks and how that affects learning and memory during similar subsequent tasks. In the lab, I look forward to analyzing and interpreting the neuronal recordings from primates and exploring any potential signal patterns.

Evan Braho ’26
Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Email:evan_braho@brown.edu

Overview: I’m a Class of ’26 Neuroscience concentrator interested in researching how human behavior can be explained by brain activity and development. I’m especially excited to analyze electrophysiological data to determine if abstract sequence processing may play a role.

Nami Kaneko
Email:nami_kaneko@brown.edu

Overview: I am broadly interested in investigating the evolutionary origins of cognition. Eventually I hope to analyze the differences between the human and primate neural mechanisms involved in various abstract cognitive processes. Previously I worked in the field as a research assistant in the Cognitive Evolution Group at the University of Michigan.