Research Bio
Joni Wallis is a neuroscientist whose research investigates the neural basis of decision-making, reward, and cognitive control. Her approach is to treat the brain as a complex computing device and develop brain implants that can interact with the brain in order to treat neuropsychiatric disease. She accomplishes this through high-channel count neurophysiological recordings, sophisticated algorithms for decoding neuronal information in real-time, and closed-loop control of brain stimulation. In this way, Wallis can develop devices that can detect and disrupt maladaptive associations and behaviors and restore the brain to the healthy state. She is Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at UC Berkeley, where she directs the Wallis Lab.
Research Expertise and Interest
prefrontal cortex, neurophysiology, executive control, decision making
In the News
New Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Our brain activity could be nudged to make healthier choices
Netflix binge-watching versus a hike in the woods. A cheeseburger versus kale salad. Fentanyl versus Tylenol. New UC Berkeley research suggests our brain activity could be influenced to make the healthier choice.
CNEP researchers target brain circuitry to treat intractable mental disorders
Neuroscientists, engineers and physicians are teaming up for an ambitious five-year, $26 million project to develop new techniques for tackling mental illness.
Findings offer new clues into the addicted brain
What drives addicts to choose drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, overeating or kleptomania — despite the risks? Campus neuroscientists have pinpointed the locations in the brain where calculations are made that can result in addictive and compulsive behavior. Their astonishing findings could lead to improved treatments for many addictions and disorders.
For neurons to work as a team, it helps to have a beat
When it comes to conducting complex tasks, it turns out that the brain needs rhythm, according to UC Berkeley researchers. Neuroscientists have found that cortical rhythms, or oscillations, can effectively rally groups of neurons in widely dispersed regions of the brain to engage in coordinated activity, much like a conductor will summon up various sections of an orchestra in a symphony.
Teaching
Circuit, Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience [NEU 100B]
Senior Research Thesis [NEU 191]
Supervised Independent Study [NEU 199]
Circuit and Systems Neuroscience [NEU 250]
Neuroscience Graduate Research [NEU 292]
Neuroscience Research Review [NEU 295]
Supervised Independent Study [NEU 99]
Honors Research Thesis [NEU H196A]
Honors Research Thesis [NEU H196B]
Field Study in Psychology [PSYCH 197]
Directed Study [PSYCH 298]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [PSYCH 99]
Special Study for Honors Candidates [PSYCH H195B]
Introduction to Computational Neuroscience [NEU 151]
Senior Research Thesis [NEU 191]
Supervised Independent Study [NEU 199]
Neuroscience Graduate Research [NEU 292]
Neuroscience Research Review [NEU 295]
Supervised Independent Study [NEU 99]
Honors Research Thesis [NEU H196A]
Honors Research Thesis [NEU H196B]
Field Study in Psychology [PSYCH 197]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [PSYCH 199]
Research [PSYCH 299]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [PSYCH 99]
Special Study for Honors Candidates [PSYCH H195A]
Circuit, Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience [NEU 100B]
Supervised Independent Study [NEU 199]
Reinforcement Learning and Decision-making [NEU 242]
Neuroscience Graduate Research [NEU 292]
Neuroscience Research Review [NEU 295]
Supervised Independent Study [NEU 99]
Honors Research Thesis [NEU H196A]
Honors Research Thesis [NEU H196B]
Field Study in Psychology [PSYCH 197]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [PSYCH 199]
Directed Study [PSYCH 298]
Research [PSYCH 299]
Supervised Independent Study and Research [PSYCH 99]
Special Study for Honors Candidates [PSYCH H195B]