Adriana Caballero

In the broad sense, our lab is interested in understanding how experiences (inputs) shape the brain’s ability to process information. Depending on the timing of the input and the area involved in the processing, these experiences can change the brain temporarily or permanently to fine tune and/or optimize its response (output). Similarly, an impairment or mistiming of inputs can have a detrimental effect on the processing ability of any given brain area, particularly in the cortex. We study the prefrontal cortex during adolescence to understand the mechanisms/inputs underlying the acquisition of adult cognitive functions, and how those mechanisms can be altered to confer a higher vulnerability to psychiatric disorders during this developmental window.