Current Projects
The Emerging Field of Neurogenomics
A significant part of my research program is dedicated to the emerging field of neurogenomics - a novel approach to illuminate the intricate dynamics of gene-environment interactions.
Specifically, my focus lies in unraveling how genetic predispositions manifest through brain features and neural function, ultimately influencing behavioral and economic phenotypes.
In my current projects, we employ natural experimental variations to discern the causal underlying structures that govern the interplay between genes and the environment, providing valuable insights into the complex web of influences shaping human behavior and economic decision-making. This work not only contributes to our understanding of neural function but also holds implications for developing targeted interventions and policies that can positively impact diverse aspects of individual and societal well-being.
Neurocomputational Modelling of Social Behavior
Drawing from insights in neural and psychological research, a significant focus of my work involves neurocomputational modeling of social behavior. Within this realm, we leverage neuroscientific findings showing that the brain represents sensory information not in absolute terms but rather probabilistically. Specifically, utilizing this insight, we formalized and empirically validated a Bayesian model of mentalization - a pivotal aspect of social decision-making.
We substantiate the accuracy of our model, coined CHASE (Cognitive Hierarchy Assessment), in capturing dynamic adjustments in strategy and unveiling distinct neural patterns corresponding to different levels of mentalization. Our integrated Bayesian approach provides a comprehensive framework for systematically evaluating economic behavior under strategic uncertainty, shedding light on the nuanced interplay between cognition and decision-making.