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Marc A. Sommer

Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Duke Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708-0281
1427 CIEMAS, Box 90281, 101 Science Dr., Durham, NC 27708

Overview


We study circuits for cognition. Using a combination of neurophysiology and biomedical engineering, we focus on the interaction between brain areas during visual perception, decision-making, and motor planning. Specific projects include the role of frontal cortex in metacognition, the role of cerebellar-frontal circuits in action timing, the neural basis of "good enough" decision-making (satisficing), and the neural mechanisms of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2023 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Director of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2025 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers
Associate Professor in Neurobiology · 2011 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments
Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience · 2024 - Present Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Investigator in the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2010 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers
Member of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience · 2010 - Present Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2017 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units

In the News


Published January 3, 2025
Biomedical Engineering Professor Marc Sommer to Lead Institute for Brain Sciences
Published April 18, 2017
Five Faculty Named Bass Fellows for Excellence in Teaching and Research

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Recent Publications


Optogenetic Manipulation of Covert Attention in the Nonhuman Primate.

Journal Article Journal of cognitive neuroscience · February 2025 Optogenetics affords new opportunities to interrogate neuronal circuits that control behavior. In primates, the usefulness of optogenetics in studying cognitive functions remains a challenge. The technique has been successfully wielded, but behavioral effe ... Full text Cite

Circuits and mechanisms for TMS-induced corticospinal waves: Connecting sensitivity analysis to the network graph.

Journal Article PLoS Comput Biol · December 2024 Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders with broad potential for new applications, but the neural circuits that are engaged during TMS are still poorly understood. Recordings of neural ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Neurobiology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Visual signaling from retina to superior colliculus

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of California - Los Angeles · 2023 - 2028

Dissecting inhibitory mechanisms and their contribution to information processing in retinal ganglion cells.

FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


Massachusetts Institute of Technology · 1995 Ph.D.