The Gardner lab studies birdsong vocal production. Our work ranges from machine learning for analysis of behavior and electrophysiology to cellular scale imaging in singing birds. We are interested in the principles underlying learning and production of complex behaviors in biological neural networks.

As part of this effort, we develop new kinds of neural interfaces. The goal of our engineering work is to achieve stable long-term connections to the brain or peripheral nervous system. Projects include miniature microscopes, thin-film ultra-micro electrodes, glass fiber arrays, and chronic peripheral nerve interfaces capable of recording and stimulating visceral nerves for bioelectronics medicines. A recent focus is the development and application of a custom direct laser-write 3D printer for fabrication of ultra-small 3D electrode arrays.

Members of the lab have gone on to industry jobs developing machine learning methods, companies developing wearable neural interfaces, companies developing human-brain computer interfaces, and academic faculty positions in systems neuroscience.