91΄σΙρ College of Wisconsin Fernandino Laboratory
Welcome to the Semantic Cognition Lab
Our team investigates how concepts and language meaning are encoded in the brain. We use functional brain imaging (fMRI and MEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation, and behavioral assessment of neurological patients and healthy participants.
A current focus of our work is the application of fMRI, semantic modeling and machine learning techniques to investigate how word meaning is represented in high-level association areas of the cortex and how these representations relate to sensory-motor and affective neural systems.
The ultimate goal is to elucidate the representational code for conceptual knowledge, leading to a deeper understanding of the language and memory deficits caused by neurological disorders, as well as to advancements in artificial intelligence and brain-machine interface technology.
Fernandino Lab Featured Studies
A Neural Map of Word Meaning
In this study, we asked which areas of the cerebral cortex represent information about the meanings of words. Previous neuroimaging studies had indicated that large portions of the temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes participate in processing language meaning, but it was unknown which regions actually encoded information about individual word meanings.
Tong, Binder, Humphries, Mazurchuk, Conant, and Fernandino (2022). The Journal of Neuroscience.
The Stuff of Thought is the Stuff of Experience
In this study, we addressed the question of how the contents of our thoughts – concepts, ideas, beliefs – are related to the physical world that we experience through our senses.
Fernandino, Tong, Conant, Humphries, and Binder (2022). PNAS.
Fernandino Lab Recent Publications & News
Publications
Fernandino & Conant (2024). Neuropsychologia.
Mazurchuk, Fernandino, Tong, Conant, & Binder (2024). Cerebral Cortex.
Concept Representation: , 2nd edition, Elsevier
Fernandino & Binder (2024).
Fernandino & Binder (2024). Brain and Language.
Mazurchuk, Conant, Tong, Binder, and Fernandino (2023). Language, Cognition and Neuroscience.
News
Leonardo Fernandino, PhD, receives $2M grant to study how language meaning is encoded in brain activity using functional neuroimaging
91΄σΙρNews | May 7, 2024
The Morning Show, WPR | March 17, 2022
Organization for Human Brain Mapping | February 17, 2017
HuffPost | July 21, 2016
Fernandino Lab Members
Leonardo Fernandino, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Biophysics, and Biomedical Engineering; Interim Vice Chair, Faculty Affairs and Development, Department of Neurology
Sidney Schoenrock, MA
Program Manager
Jiaqing (Tony) Tong, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Jed Mathis, BS
Engineer II
Joe Heffernan, MS
Engineer III
Fernandino Lab Collaborators
Andrew J. Anderson, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Biomedical Engineering
Jeffrey R. Binder, MD
Professor of Neurology and Biophysics
William Gross, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Biophysics
Hernan G. Rey, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Engineering
Priyanka Shah-Basak, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Biomedical Engineering
Contact the Fernandino Lab
Leo Fernandino, PhD
Director, Semantic Cognition Lab
lfernandino@mcw.edu
The Fernandino Lab is supported by the .
91΄σΙρ College of Wisconsin
Department of Neurology
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226
We are affiliated with the Department of Neurology, the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Neuroscience Research Center, and the doctoral programs in Neuroscience and Biophysics.
