University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · PhysicsSleep and Memory Dynamics Lab
Michal R Zochowski · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Michal R. Zochowski's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on how sleep affects brain function, particularly relating to memory consolidation. By using computational modeling and experimental techniques, the lab investigates how different sleep states interact and help reorganize neural networks, influencing how memories are stored and retrieved. This research aims to unravel the complex relationships between sleep, cognition, and various mental health disorders.
sleep researchmemory consolidationneural networkscomputational modelingacetylcholineREM sleepNREM sleepcognitive functionpsychiatric disordersbrain connectivity
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how acetylcholine influences neural circuit dynamics during different sleep states.
AIM 02Measure how changes in functional connectivity during sleep affect memory storage.
AIM 03Develop computational models to predict hippocampal reorganization during sleep state transitions.
AIM 04Examine the distinct roles of REM and NREM sleep in memory consolidation.
AIM 05Clarify mechanisms that lead to cognitive dysfunction due to sleep disturbances.
Skills the Lab Values
computational modelingin vivo experimentationnetwork connectivity analysisdata analysisexperimental designneural circuit manipulationsleep study methodologystatistical modelinghypothesis testing
Output against the department
Publications175bottom 41% of dept.13th of 22
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.3kbottom 18% of dept.18th of 22
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.