My current research investigates the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness, with a particular focus on how inactive neurons and background neural activity in the visual cortex contribute to spatial perception. To advance this work, I have developed specialized experimental setups that integrate cutting-edge techniques such as electrophysiology (Neuropixels), widefield calcium imaging, optogenetics, and pupillometry. These custom systems enable precise detection and control of neural activity in the visual cortex, offering deeper insights into how the brain processes visual information and constructs perceptual experiences. Through an adversarial collaboration (supported by the Templeton World Charity Foundation), my work helps evaluate competing predictions from three theories of consciousness: Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and the predictive processing framework (Neurorepresentationalism and Active Inference).

Master internship positions are available starting Fall 2025. For more information, please contact Email: k.takahashi@uva.nl

I am a postdoc at the Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience group. Prior to the current position, I obtained B.Sc. in Genetics at University of California, Davis (USA), M.Sc. in Neuroscience at University of Geneva (Switzerland), and PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Neuroscience at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics (Tübingen, Germany). My PhD project focused on investigating the neural mechanisms underlying brain states during anesthesia. I explored how neural oscillations are linked to fluctuations in pupil size, depending on the brain state, by examining the lateral hypothalamus using a combination of multimodal neuroimaging techniques, including fMRI, electrophysiology, pupillometry, GCaMP-mediated fiber photometry, and optogenetics.