MIT News: Exploring the Connection Between Neurons, Learning, and Memory

MIT Associate Professor Mark Harnett’s Fascination with Neurons and Brain Functions

Mark Harnett, an associate professor at MIT, has always been captivated by the electrical activity of living neurons. His journey into the world of neuroscience began during his senior year at Reed College when he first witnessed electrical spikes from a neuron using a patch clamp rig he had built himself.

Since then, Harnett has dedicated his career to studying the electrical properties of neurons and how they contribute to the complex computations that underlie brain functions like learning, memory, and sensory perception. His ultimate goal is to unravel the mysteries of how the cortex works, from the molecular level to animal behavior, in order to understand the mechanisms of learning and memory.

Harnett’s interest in science was sparked in middle school by an inspiring teacher, leading him to pursue a career in neuroscience. His academic journey took him to Reed College, where he explored his passion for biology and English, eventually finding his calling in neuropharmacology.

After completing his PhD and postdoc, Harnett established his lab at MIT’s McGovern Institute, where he continues to push the boundaries of neuroscience research. His recent discoveries, including the presence of “silent synapses” in the adult brain, shed light on how the brain forms new memories and learns new information.

Despite the challenges of his research, Harnett finds joy in the collaborative and supportive environment of his lab. He values the diverse perspectives and expertise of his team members, from graduate students to postdocs, who contribute to the lab’s mission of understanding the complexities of the cortex.

For Harnett, the journey from a curious student to a renowned neuroscientist has been filled with excitement and discovery, driven by his passion for unraveling the mysteries of the brain.