Jim Olds, Director
Welcome. As the Director of the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, I view myself as a facilitator. My vision is to foster an intellectually rigorous, yet at the same time nurturing environment for our scientific faculty. Ideally, we want to reserve a place for the best scientists, particularly those just beginning their careers, to conduct state-of-the-art research into the nature of human cognition.
The Institute itself, just over 15 years old, is situated strategically at the intersection of neurobiology, cognitive psychology and computer science. Over the past six years, since moving into the current 23,000 square foot laboratory facility, the Institute's research program has massively expanded with the addition of research programs funded by agencies such as NIH, NSF and the Department of Defense. In addition the Institute hosts several centers ranging from Neural Dynamics to Social Complexity. With the growth, has come the urgent need for more research space and hence the current addition of 12,500 square feet to the current facility, in addition to an MRI brain imaging center. The Krasnow Institute has recently been recognized in Congressional testimony, in the international and domestic media, and of course most importantly through the recognition of our scientists' research in peer-reviewed publications and grants. While there clearly will be many challenges ahead, I am confident that the underlying quality of the Institute's science and staff will ensure our success.
Scientific Interests:
My own scientific interests focus on the functional role of the mammalian neocortex, hippocampus and cerebellum with special emphasis on how these highly ordered neuroanatomical regions interact to store and retrieve complex memories (ranging from face recognition to motor programs). At the cellular level, I am also interested in the critical role protein kinase C, a multi-member enzyme family, plays in transformation with special emphasis on those changes associated with cellular memory.
Public Policy Interests:
Public policy is another priority of mine, especially with regard to federal funding of biomedical research here in the United States and around the world. Over the past five years, I have worked with other concerned policymakers to ensure that biomedical research appropriations from Congress are adequate to support America's expanding public health needs and to support emerging biopharma technologies.
Publications (scientific and policy-related):
How to Reach Me:
I can be reached at jolds@gmu.edu and 703-993-4333.
Professional biography
Director's Blog
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