Dr. Lewis specializes in systems and computational neurobiology. His research focuses on understanding how the dynamics of neurons and neuronal networks are involved in sensory processing, sensory-motor transformations, and the production of behaviour.

We are interested in how nervous systems process sensory information and produce behaviours. To effectively acquire and process information in complex and constantly-changing environments, nervous systems must themselves be dynamic and operate on many different time scales. Neural dynamics arise from processes occurring at many levels, from network feedback interactions, to the sub-cellular processes involved in synaptic plasticity. Our goal is to understand how the brain uses these processes to encode and interpret sensory information, whether that is to produce a specific behaviour or to store the information as a memory. By studying simpler nervous systems and looking to nature for sensing experts, we can gain insight into the general mechanisms of neuronal information processing. The weakly electric fish is particularly well-suited for these studies. These fish have evolved an exquisite electric sense that enables them to capture prey and communicate in dark and murky waters. While the brain structures involved in the electric sense are relatively simple, they exhibit many similarities with our own sensory systems. Our studies are multidisciplinary, using techniques ranging from cellular electrophysiology to computational modeling and behavioural analyses. Such a comprehensive and integrative approach will play an essential role in understanding the complex issues underlying information processing in the brain.

Lewis, J.E., Lindner, B., Laliberté, B., Groothuis, S. Control of neuronal firing by dynamic parallel fiber feedback: implications for electrosensory reafference suppression. J. Exp. Biol. 210: 4427-4437, 2007 Hupé, G., Lewis, J.E. Electrocommunication signals in free swimming brown ghost knifefish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus. J. Exp. Biol. 211: 1657-1667, 2008 Lindner, B., Gangloff, D., Longtin, A., Lewis, J.E. Broadband coding with dynamic synapses. J. Neuroscience 29: 2076-87, 2009 Babineau, D., Lewis J.E., Longtin A. Spatial acuity and prey detection in weakly electric fish. PLoS Computational Biology 3(3):e38, 2007