University of California-Davis · NeuroscienceWiltgen Memory Lab
Brian J Wiltgen · Davis, California
Research Focus
Dr. Brian Wiltgen's lab focuses on understanding how unexpected events influence learning and memory, particularly in the context of fear and anxiety. They investigate the role of brain chemistry and neural activity in forming aversive memories. This research not only sheds light on basic memory processes but also has potential implications for understanding emotional disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia.
learningmemoryaversive conditioningneuromodulatorscatecholaminesfearanxietyHippocampusdopaminenorepinephrine
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate how novelty influences learning and memory formation.
AIM 02Examine the relationship between catecholamine release and aversive memory formation.
AIM 03Analyze the impact of distracting stimuli on memory rehearsal processes.
AIM 04Explore the role of the hippocampus in processing unexpected aversive events.
Skills the Lab Values
electrophysiologyoptogeneticsanimal behavior studiesdata analysis in neuroscienceimaging techniquesspatial memory taskssynthesis of scientific literatureneuropharmacologyexperimental design
Output against the department
Publications61bottom 15% of dept.570th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.5kbottom 45% of dept.369th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.