David Euston

Damage to the prefrontal cortex, a part of the frontal lobes, can result in poor planning, unreasonable risk taking, and inappropriate social behaviour. The prefrontal cortex thus plays a crucial role in decision-making and emotional-regulation, allowing us to function as humans.

Arguably, rats' lives are simpler than ours. However, rats complete similar daily tasks: deciding whom to fight and whom to befriend, knowing when to react in anger and when to appease, deciding when to keep searching (e.g., for food) or when to stay with what you have. Rats, too, have a prefrontal cortex which, anatomically, resembles parts of the human prefrontal cortex. Human and rat prefrontal cortex function may serve similar purposes.

David Euston's research focuses on prefrontal cortex function in rat brains, combining behavioural, pharmacological, and electrophysiological techniques. In particular, David records individual brain-cell activity during a rat's decision-making process to understand how the prefrontal cortex integrates sensory input, memory and emotional state, guiding a rat's adaptive behaviour.

He also studies the prefrontal cortex role in rat communication (i.e., ultrasonic vocalizations) and the development of behavioural addiction, specifically, gambling addiction. Because many brain structures, including parts of the prefrontal cortex, are conserved across species, uncovering the rat's prefrontal computations aims to shed light on human prefrontal cortex function.

Dr. Euston’s research team welcomes graduate students from all backgrounds, celebrating unique perspectives and ideas stemming from varied experiences. Along with his lab, David is committed to providing equal opportunity and a supportive atmosphere for all members, as differing perspectives lead to more comprehensive and insightful research.