Vikash Choudhary
PhD Student in computational and systems neuroscience
Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics
Exploring neural mechanisms underlying internal states and cognitive maps in zebrafish through advanced live brain imaging and computational modeling.
Research Focus
Neural Mechanisms
Understanding how the brain maintains and transitions between different internal states and cognitive maps
Neural and behavioral organization of sleep substates
Investigating neural substrates of sleep substates using whole-brain imaging, behavioral tracking, and computational modeling
Computational Modeling
Applying encoding-decoding models, Machine-learning models, control theory and systems biology to understand neural circuit dynamics
Ethology
Decoding fish behavior through high-resolution recordings, automated tracking, and behavioral motif discovery across fish species
Research Projects
Neural and behavioral organization of rapid eye movement sleep in zebrafish
2023Discovered two distinct quiescent states in larval zebrafish sleep (qREM and qNREM), revealing the evolutionary origin of REM sleep. Used high-resolution behavioral imaging and brain-wide neural recordings.
Behavioral motifs identification in freely swimming zebrafish using autoregressive hidden markov models (ARHMMs)
2023Developing and applying autoregressive hidden Markov models to identify behavioral states from high-resolution tracking data. Implemented in Julia with applications to zebrafish behavioral analysis, revealing organized behavioral motifs and state transitions.
Visual-area-specific tonic modulation of GABA release by endocannabinoids in neocortex
2022Developed end-to-end analysis pipeline for two-photon calcium imaging data (motion registration, source extraction, deconvolution, data analysis). Revealed how CB1+ interneurons differentially control neural activity and coordination in primary (V1) versus associative (V2M) visual cortex.
Alterations of specific cortical GABAergic circuits in Down syndrome
2020Developed computational methods to detect Up/Down states in cortical LFP recordings. Revealed how specific GABAergic circuit alterations lead to abnormal network activity in Down syndrome mouse models.
Current Work
My research combines advanced imaging techniques, behavioral analysis, and computational modeling to uncover the fundamental principles regulating internal state transitions.
Learn More →Publications
Contributing to the understanding of neural mechanisms underlying behavioral states through peer-reviewed research.
View CV →Media
Research featured in The New York Times and covered by international science outlets. Talks, presentations, and science communication activities.
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