Kevin P. Koster, Ph.D

Postdoctoral Scholar

PhD Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2021

BS Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2014

In the lab: Kevin’s previous work using slice physiology and optogenetics demonstrated that higher order thalamic neurons integrate subcortical and cortical layer 5 (L5) inputs of various types (i.e., driver/modulator, GABAergic). These data substantiate the notion that a major advantage of transthalamic pathways is to allow for gating and/or modulation at the thalamic level in ways unavailable to direct cortico-cortical circuits.

His current work is focused on using chronic high-density multielectrode (i.e., Neuropixels) recordings in behaving mice to understand how information traversing motor transthalamic circuits contributes to skilled movements in mice.

Out of the lab: Kevin pursues an active lifestyle as he enjoys jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, running, skateboarding, weightlifting.

Briana J. Carroll, Ph.D

Visiting Scientist

PhD Neurobiology, Florida State University, 2017

BA Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 2011

In the lab: Forebrain circuits exert top-down control through descending cortical projections. My work focuses on the forebrain representations that promote this control, and how they shape information processing in hierarchically distinct targets.

Increasingly complex sensory representations emerging across the cortical hierarchy are derived from feedforward connectivity, but also feedback projections. As a visiting scientist at the Sherman lab, I’m working to discern the role played by transthalamic feedback projections from V1 to the higher-order thalamus pulvinar. I perturb this pathway with optogenetics while recording visually-evoked responses in V1 using Neuropixels probes. Our preliminary evidence suggests this feedback pathways enhances V1 tuning, consistent with a modulatory function.

Beyond UChicago, I lead by own research group at Chicago State University. My group combines neural recordings, behavioral analysis, and computational approaches to understand how sensory and state information are combined in forebrain representations.

Out of the lab: Briana enjoys exploring nature while canoe camping and playing in rock bands. 

Keith Skaggs

Graduate Student

Medical Scientist Training Program, Pritzker School of Medicine, 2027

BS Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022

In the lab: Keith’s current work aims to investigate the functions of the transthalamic pathways in the visual system of mice, focusing on the primary and secondary cortices (V1 and V2) and the pulvinar (Pul) nucleus of the thalamus. To elucidate these visual pathways’ specific contributions to visual processing and cognitive functions (like working memory), we utilize behavioral experiments (delayed Go/No-Go task), optogenetic techniques, and high-density multielectrode (Neuropixel) recordings to identify the correlated effects of selectively inhibiting the transthalamic pathway on behavioral performance and cortical cell and circuit properties.

Jason Ajwani

Research Technician

BS Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas, 2023

AS General Studies in Science, Austin Community College, 2020

In the lab: Before joining the lab in 2025, Jason’s work at the Center for Hypothalamic Research at the University of Texas Southwestern focused on investigating the brain’s control over metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and exercise-mediated benefits. At the Sherman Lab, Jason looks forward to extending his knowledge of thalamocortical circuits, advancing his techniques in electrophysiology and stereotaxic surgeries. Currently, he focuses on supporting Keith & Kevin with some of the behavioral and surgical aspects of their projects and guiding undergraduate students with theirs.

Yuhe (Ray) Yu

Undergraduate Researcher

BS Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 2026

BA Political Science, University of Chicago, 2026

In the lab: Ray currently examines the laminar characterization on the effect of inhibition of the thalamic feedback pathway (pulvinar to V1), by analyzing local field potential and current source density in the Neuropixels recording data. She is also helping out with Briana’s project investigating the role played by transthalamic feedback projections from V1 to the higher-order thalamus pulvinar.

Barbara Marbell

Undergraduate Researcher

BS Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 2026

In the lab: Barbara has previously worked with Keith on his project to determining the role of direct and transthalamic cortical pathways in mouse visual system. Under Keith’s guidance, she assisted in training mice in Go/No-go behavioral tasks, window-headbar placement surgeries, and neuropixel probe insertions. She is currently working on her undergraduate thesis project to anatomically characterize projections from the superior colliculus and 7th cranial nerve to the thalamus. I plan to continue my postgraduate education in medical school.