Sven Kroener, PhD
Assistant Professor
Contact Information
kroener@musc.edu
843.792.1442
Education
MA, Psychology, 1996, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
PhD, Psychology, 2000, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2000-2003, University of Pittsburgh
Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2004-2005, MUSC
Research Interests
My research interests relate to the organization and the functional properties of the neural circuitry of the prefrontal cortex, and the pathophysiology of this circuitry in schizophrenia.
An important cognitive feature of higherorganisms is their ability to temporarily structure their behavior and to actively hold in mind information relevant for goal-attainment. This so called “working memory” is closely related to the functions of the prefrontal cortex and its innervation by dopaminergic fibers.
In collaboration with Drs. Seamans and Chandler, I study the network properties that underlie persistent activity required for working memory, using electrophysiological recordings and high-resolution calcium-imaging. I am particularly interested in the role of inhibition in the network provided by GABAergic interneurons, and how this is modulated by dopamine.
A second area of interest is to see how persistent activity is disturbed by drugs of abuse, specifically cocaine.