I am a psychologist and a neuroscientist. My current work is about bio-constrained embodied computational modelling. The aim is building computational models of Pavlovian and operant conditioning, goal directed behaviour, decision making, and in general of the interaction between action, cognition, emotions and motivations. The models studied aim to explain the interaction between the real neural components in the brain of superior vertebrates, being constrained by bio-behavioural, neuro-anatomical and neuro-physiological data. My work includes building computational hypotheses about neuro-modulation, plasticity and learning. The built models are tested as control systems of real or simulated robots in order to solve tasks that are similar to those presented to real animals or humans. In building those model I use artificial neural networks, in particular continuous time recurrent networks, reservoir computing, attractor networks.
