Our lab uses a variety of techniques, including Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), to examine language and auditory processing systems in the brain. We study healthy individuals as well as patients (e.g., those with stroke or Parkinson’s) to examine the conceptual system in a healthy or compromised state. 

Our current research focuses on semantics and embodiment of meaning. We study how meanings of words or sentences are stored in the brain. We ask how the conceptual or “thinking” parts of the brain are related to the “doing” and “perceiving” parts of the brain. Traditionally, these thinking and doing systems are thought to be completely different animals. However, our research is suggesting that the thinking parts use the doing parts of the brain to do some of their work. In a sense, thinking is doing.

Our other interests include neuroimaging of speech and auditory perception; neural network modeling of language and language acquisition; machine learning, pattern recognition, and artificial intelligence.

Image above: Areas activated by metaphoric action sentences (The class grasped the idea; blue/purple) relative to abstract sentences (The class understood the idea; yellow/orange). Secondary motor cortex in the inferior parietal lobe, which is involved in planning and executing complex actions, is activated for metaphoric action sentences. This suggests that to understand action metaphors, we use some of the areas of the brain that are normally involved in performing actions.