The Control of Memory & Forgetting Lab explores one of the most intriguing questions about the human mind: how do we decide what to hold on to, and what to let go? Memory is not simply a storehouse of the past—it is a living system that adapts to our goals, emotions, and experiences. Forgetting, often thought of as a weakness, is in fact a powerful tool. It helps us clear mental space, move past unwanted experiences, and stay focused on what matters most in the present. By studying the push and pull between remembering and forgetting, we aim to uncover how the brain achieves this delicate balance and why it is so critical for learning, resilience, and well-being.
To address these questions, we employ a diverse toolkit that spans behavioral experimentation, functional brain imaging, EEG, eye tracking, and pupillometry. This integrative perspective allows us to see not only how memories are strengthened, but also how they are intentionally weakened or suppressed. In doing so, we seek to understand how memory control can empower us to adapt to challenges, recover from adversity, and make wiser choices. Ultimately, our goal is to shed light on the mechanisms that allow memory to guide our lives—revealing not just how we remember the past, but how we create the possibility of a better future.
To address these questions, we employ a diverse toolkit that spans behavioral experimentation, functional brain imaging, EEG, eye tracking, and pupillometry. This integrative perspective allows us to see not only how memories are strengthened, but also how they are intentionally weakened or suppressed. In doing so, we seek to understand how memory control can empower us to adapt to challenges, recover from adversity, and make wiser choices. Ultimately, our goal is to shed light on the mechanisms that allow memory to guide our lives—revealing not just how we remember the past, but how we create the possibility of a better future.
