Jonathan Lee

Accepting PhD Students

PhD projects

Jonathan Lee's research is focused on the basic mechanisms of learning and memory. These range from the neural circuits that support memory acquisition and persistence, to the cellular mechanisms that operate within those circuits. In particular, he is interested in the different phases that occur in the lifetime of a memory: acquisition, stabilisation and retrieval/expression. His recent work has paid particular attention to the phenomenon of memory reconsolidation, whereby a memory may be modified after its retrieval, perhaps to maintain its adaptive relevance.

The study of memory reconsolidation is a major focus of Dr Lee's research, especially in relation to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and drug addiction which depend largely upon the formation of extremely powerful and persistent emotional memories. It may be possible, therefore, to reduce the impact of these memories by blocking their reconsolidation. By using preclinical models of emotional learning and memory, Dr Lee's work explores the clinical benefits of such an approach.