How Does the Brain Work?

Photo of Dr. Giorgio Ascoli and Sridevi Polavaram

What happens to our brains as we age?

At George Mason University, Dr. Giorgio Ascoli and his team of student researchers are working at the frontier of brain science and computing.

By building a computational model of the brain, his research will lead to a better understanding of the mental decline that comes with aging, as well as lay the groundwork for new treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Teamwork at Mason—A Habit of Excellence

Kevin Laub Never Planned To Be A Teacher: With the help of Mason's Career Switchers Program, Laub got his teaching certification, went on to earn a master's degree—and discovered his true calling.
Moving Research from Lab to Bedside: Mason graduate Zobair Younossi is using cutting-edge technologies to develop better diagnostic tools and treatments for potentially life-threatening diseases.
A Woman at the Forefront: Alumna Roshini Thinakaran has created a film project that looks at war and conflict through women's eyes.
Telling the Stories Behind History: Mason graduate Mark Jones developed a web site and discussion forum for The War, a new PBS documentary by Ken Burns.
Looking Inside the Working Brain: Layne Kalbfleisch's research is providing new insights into talent, intelligence, and how the brain works.
Predicting the Next Katrina: Guido Cervone and his students are using satelite microwave technology and buoy measurements to track potentially dangerous storms around the globe.
Diving into the Mysteries of Coral Disease: The coral reefs are dying and Mason researchers like Geoff Cook are trying to find out why.
Who Do Lawyers Call When They Need Advice?: Mason legal scholar Ron Rotunda is one of the most often cited law professors in the United States.
Research on the Edge—Of the Solar System: Mason astrophysicist Merav Opher and her team of researchers have their eyes on the stars—and the matter in between.
These Guys Got Games(s): Mason seniors Steve Taylor and Mike Gagnon have been developing computer games for years. Now they are taking on the gaming world.
Protecting Human Life and the Environment from Radioactive Materials: Cynthia Tselepis came to George Mason University to earn a degree. She’s leaving with a patent and a company.
Ways to Help Pilots Perform Better and Make Air Travel Safer: Working on a grant from NASA, graduate student Melanie Diez LeGoullon is investigating interruptions in the cockpit and pilot errors.
How Does the Brain Work?: At George Mason University, Giorgio Ascoli and his team of student researchers are working at the frontier of brain science and computing.
Can Cancer Become a Manageable Disease?: Mason researchers Lance Liotta’s and Emanuel Petricoin’s research breakthroughs hold promise for new treatments.
Making Drinking Water Safer... One Village at a Time: Mason researcher Abul Hussam has developed an inexpensive, environmentally sound way to remove arsenic from ground water.
Decade of the Mind: World-renowned scientists convened at George Mason University to call for a 10-year intellectual revolution—the "decade of the mind"—aimed at reaching the next levels of understanding the human brain.

How Does the Brain Work?

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