Mohebi & Associates

Computational & experimental neuroscience

How does the brain learn what matters?

We study how dopamine and distributed neural circuits turn experience into learning, motivation, and adaptive decisions—linking precise measurement with computational theory.

Explore our research Meet the team
Department of Psychology · University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison, Wisconsin
Fluorescence microscopy image showing a network of neurons
Measure · Model · Refine

Mohebi & Associates

Neural dynamics of learning and decision-making

We investigate

Dopamine, neural circuits & adaptive behavior

We combine

Experiment, computation & theory

Our home

Psychology at UW–Madison

Our story

A group of scientists asking how the brain turns experience into behavior—and welcoming curious minds from every background.

Read our story

Our science

Three connected research programs

From molecules to behavior, we ask how value is represented, updated, and used to guide future choices.

Research overview
01

Decision Making

Investigating the neural computations underlying how we make choices in uncertain environments.

Explore program
02

Neuromodulation

Understanding how dopamine and other neuromodulators shape neural activity and behavior.

Explore program
03

Reinforcement Learning

Studying how the brain learns from reward and punishment to optimize future actions.

Explore program

How we work

One question.
Multiple scales.

We pair subsecond measurements of neural activity with quantitative models that explain—and predict—behavior.

Explore our methods
In Vivo ElectrophysiologyWe perform large-scale extracellular recordings using high-density silicon probes (Neuropixels) to monitor the activity of hundreds of neurons simultaneously in behaving animals. This allows us to track neural dynamics across multiple brain regions with millisecond precision.
Biosensor ImagingWe use 1-photon and 2-photon imaging to visualize the activity of genetically defined neuronal populations. By expressing fluorescent indicators such as GCaMP, dLight, and GRAB sensors, we can track the activity of specific cell types or neuromodulatory signals during complex behaviors.
Computational ModelingWe develop reinforcement learning agents and neural network models to generate testable hypotheses about neural computation. We compare model behavior and internal representations with experimental data to understand the algorithms implemented by the brain.

Research output

Ideas made testable

Selected papers and notes from our ongoing work in learning, dopamine, and neural computation.

All publications
Recent publication2025

Elife

Mesolimbic dopamine ramps reflect environmental timescales

Joseph R Floeder, Huijeong Jeong, Ali Mohebi, and Vijay Mohan K Namboodiri

Read publication details

From the lab

News & notes

Funding

Ali Mohebi receives Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant

Ali Mohebi

Ali Mohebi

Principal Investigator

Robert Spencer, PhD

Robert Spencer, PhD

Research Scientist

Esther Lara Gonzalez, PhD

Esther Lara Gonzalez, PhD

Research Scientist

Tianrui Yang

Tianrui Yang

Graduate Student

People make the science

Different tools.
Shared questions.

Our team brings together experimental neuroscience, quantitative analysis, and computational modeling in a collaborative environment built around rigorous, generous science.

ExperimentalistsComputational researchersTrainees & collaborators
Meet our people Ways to join

Start a conversation

Curious minds are welcome here.

Explore routes for postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers.

View opportunities Email the lab