My research interests center on understanding the neuronal circuitry underlying vision and touch. To map these functions in the brain, we use a high spatial resolution imaging method, called optical imaging of intrinsic cortical signals. Through an implanted 'window' on the brain, pictures of cortical reflectance are taken; these reflectance values correlate with neural activity at high spatial resolution (50-100 um). This method, in conjunction with electrophysiology and anatomical tracing methods, permits the study of fundamental cortical modules in the brain and their connections. We are now studying how different networks of modules are activated by simple and complex visual and somatosensory stimuli. Recently, we adapted this technology for use in the awake, trained animal and are linking cortical activation patterns to visual and somatosensory perception in the behavioral context.