How does communication unfold within a social network, and how does it adapt to external demands? Marmoset monkeys provide a unique opportunity to study how flexible vocal communication emerges in a social context. Marmosets engage in structured vocal exchanges that resemble key features of human communication, including turn-taking, adaptive timing, and context-dependent modulation of call structure. Our lab studies these behaviors in naturalistic, socially rich environments, where animals interact freely with conspecifics. By combining high-resolution acoustic recording with behavioral tracking, we identify the principles governing how vocal signals are shaped by environmental and social factors. 

How does the brain generate vocal behavior in socially relevant contexts? We focus on frontal cortical circuits that integrate motor, auditory, and social information to guide communication. Using wireless electrophysiology in freely moving marmosets, we record single-neuron and population activity during natural vocal interactions. Our study explores neural encoding of vocal and social variables during planning and production. By combining neural recordings, stimulation, and computational modeling, we aim to build a mechanistic account of how the brain networks produce flexible, context-appropriate communication signals.

How do humans enable flexible use of speech in our daily communications? We study the neural basis of human speech using intracranial recordings that provide direct, high-resolution measurements of brain activity during speaking and listening. Our work investigates brain regions involved in speech preparation, coordination, and inhibition. In particular, we are interested in studying real-time communication, including turn-taking and interactive behavior. By integrating approaches from human neuroscience and animal models, we aim to uncover shared principles of vocal communication and interactions across species.