Abigail Morrison
Papers
3
Total Citations
45
H-Index
2
About
Abigail Morrison is a leading computational neuroscientist whose work bridges the gap between spiking neural network simulations and real-world robotic systems. Her research focuses on understanding how biologically plausible neural circuits, particularly the basal ganglia, govern action selection and motor control. Morrison’s major contributions include developing the ROS-MUSIC toolchain, an innovative software framework that enables closed-loop interactions between spiking neural networks and robotic simulators. This technical achievement allows researchers to test neural models in rich, dynamic environments rather than artificial, constrained tasks. Her 2016 paper on this framework has garnered 24 citations, while her 2018 study exploring the distinct roles of striatal D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons in action selection—using a virtual robotic platform—has received 19 citations. By demonstrating how the direct and indirect pathways facilitate and inhibit action execution, respectively, Morrison has provided critical experimental validation for foundational theories of basal ganglia function. Her work is highly relevant for both neuroscience and machine learning, offering a powerful methodology for studying functional neural networks in ecologically valid contexts.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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