INtroduction
Our research program encompasses areas of both theoretical and applied neuroscience. The theoretical side of our research program explores the neural processes and mechanisms that underlie human learning and decision-making while the applied side utilizes mobile neuroimaging technology to solve real-world problems. In our laboratory we use a range of methods including electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), eye-tracking, virtual reality, motion-tracking, and computational modelling to study the theoretical and applied science research questions that we are interested in.
The Theoretical Focus
The theoretical aspect of our research program examines the systems and mechanisms that underlie learning and decision-making. Our theoretical research is model-driven – we use both theoretical and computational models to make empirical predictions about neural systems and then use neuroimaging data to assess the extent to which the brain’s computations align with theoretical predictions. For instance, it has been posited that human learning is in part dependent on the computation of prediction errors - discrepancies between expectations and outcomes - that are used to evaluate and modify subsequent behaviour. Our research in this area over the past decade has been influential; we have demonstrated that observable electroencephalographic responses to feedback appear to mirror theoretical prediction errors. For instance, in 2009 we demonstrated that the neural responses evoked by the presentation of outcome feedback diminish as learning occurs - but only for people who actually learn the presented information. In follow-up studies (e.g., Krigolson et al., 2014), we extended these findings and began to explore the relationship between the processing of response outcomes and how they modulate changes in the neural responses associated with decision-making. Recently, we have begun to explore the neural correlates of decision-making processes. For example, in a study we have just published (Williams et al., 2019) we have probed the neural signatures of Kahneman’s System One and System Two decision framework. If you're interested in our approach to decision making, check out the recommended reading list on our website.
The Applied Focus
The applied focus of our research program has largely been centred around the validation and use of mobile EEG technology. In 2017 for instance, our laboratory published a validation paper that demonstrated similar data quality between a traditional research grade EEG system and the low-cost $199 MUSE EEG headband. Since this initial validation work, our laboratory has been exploring potential uses for mobile EEG technology – something that has led to an ongoing collaboration with NASA’s Mars mission. For the NASA project we will be deploying MUSE technology and a custom iOS app developed in our laboratory to monitor changes in astronauts brain health and performance brought about by isolation during a one-year mission within the HI-SEAS Mars Habitat in Hawaii. In other mobile EEG projects, we have used the technology that we have developed to monitor fatigue in clinical settings such as the emergency room of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria and at a gold mine in northern British Columbia. In other recent projects we have used mobile EEG technology to predict batting performance in baseball (Pluta et al., 2018) and we are currently planning a trip to Nepal to study mindfulness in Buddhist monks. The growth of the applied aspect of our research program has also led to an important side benefit – it has created opportunities for my graduate students for funding and also for careers outside of academia as evidenced by successful NSERC Engage and CRD grants in addition to numerous Mitacs Accelerate Fellowships.
The Theoretical Focus
The theoretical aspect of our research program examines the systems and mechanisms that underlie learning and decision-making. Our theoretical research is model-driven – we use both theoretical and computational models to make empirical predictions about neural systems and then use neuroimaging data to assess the extent to which the brain’s computations align with theoretical predictions. For instance, it has been posited that human learning is in part dependent on the computation of prediction errors - discrepancies between expectations and outcomes - that are used to evaluate and modify subsequent behaviour. Our research in this area over the past decade has been influential; we have demonstrated that observable electroencephalographic responses to feedback appear to mirror theoretical prediction errors. For instance, in 2009 we demonstrated that the neural responses evoked by the presentation of outcome feedback diminish as learning occurs - but only for people who actually learn the presented information. In follow-up studies (e.g., Krigolson et al., 2014), we extended these findings and began to explore the relationship between the processing of response outcomes and how they modulate changes in the neural responses associated with decision-making. Recently, we have begun to explore the neural correlates of decision-making processes. For example, in a study we have just published (Williams et al., 2019) we have probed the neural signatures of Kahneman’s System One and System Two decision framework. If you're interested in our approach to decision making, check out the recommended reading list on our website.
The Applied Focus
The applied focus of our research program has largely been centred around the validation and use of mobile EEG technology. In 2017 for instance, our laboratory published a validation paper that demonstrated similar data quality between a traditional research grade EEG system and the low-cost $199 MUSE EEG headband. Since this initial validation work, our laboratory has been exploring potential uses for mobile EEG technology – something that has led to an ongoing collaboration with NASA’s Mars mission. For the NASA project we will be deploying MUSE technology and a custom iOS app developed in our laboratory to monitor changes in astronauts brain health and performance brought about by isolation during a one-year mission within the HI-SEAS Mars Habitat in Hawaii. In other mobile EEG projects, we have used the technology that we have developed to monitor fatigue in clinical settings such as the emergency room of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria and at a gold mine in northern British Columbia. In other recent projects we have used mobile EEG technology to predict batting performance in baseball (Pluta et al., 2018) and we are currently planning a trip to Nepal to study mindfulness in Buddhist monks. The growth of the applied aspect of our research program has also led to an important side benefit – it has created opportunities for my graduate students for funding and also for careers outside of academia as evidenced by successful NSERC Engage and CRD grants in addition to numerous Mitacs Accelerate Fellowships.
Lab Culture
Science is a collaborative effort and the Krigolson Lab has always been dedicated to creating an environment that promotes this. You will find many members of our lab have different backgrounds and skillsets, and we are all open to helping each other when needed. You will also find that we all are open to collaboration and try our best to help each other grow as scientists. We encourage you to take advantage of our stimulating work environment to purse research projects that you think can advance neuroscience. We have many resources available to you that will help you on your research journey, please use them if you need to.
Contact info
Emergencies (Fire/Ambulance/Police):
Phone: 911
UVic Campus Security:
Phone: 250 721 7599
UVic Welcome Centre:
Phone: 250 721 8949
Dr. Krigolson:
Email: krigolson@uvic.ca
Phone: 250 721 7843
Lab Manager-Rob Trska:
Email: rob.trska@gmail.com
Phone: 911
UVic Campus Security:
Phone: 250 721 7599
UVic Welcome Centre:
Phone: 250 721 8949
Dr. Krigolson:
Email: krigolson@uvic.ca
Phone: 250 721 7843
Lab Manager-Rob Trska:
Email: rob.trska@gmail.com
Lab culture
Science is a collaborative effort, and the TAN Lab has always been dedicated to creating an environment that promotes this. You will find many members of our lab have different backgrounds and skillsets, and we are all open to helping each other when needed. You will also find that we all are open to collaboration and try our best to help each other grow as scientists. We encourage you to take advantage of our stimulating work environment to purse research projects that you think can advance neuroscience. We have many resources available to you that will help you on your research journey, please use them if you need to.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Graduate students are expected to be in the laboratory or in their offices during regular working hours, 8:30am to 4:30pm five days a week. Graduate school is the equivalent of a full time job and when not in class or conducting research graduate students are expected to be at their desks reading, writing, analyzing, etc. PhD students who have demonstrated research productivity may be allowed a writing day once a week where they can work from home.
Undergraduate students are expected to be in the laboratory at least five hours a week to maintain their status as research assistants. Honours students will typically need to spend more time in the laboratory to be able to complete their honours thesis research.
Staff (lab managers, research assistants, research contract positions, NSERC USRA, etc) will work hours as specified in their contract agreement.
Undergraduate students are expected to be in the laboratory at least five hours a week to maintain their status as research assistants. Honours students will typically need to spend more time in the laboratory to be able to complete their honours thesis research.
Staff (lab managers, research assistants, research contract positions, NSERC USRA, etc) will work hours as specified in their contract agreement.
CONDUCT
Egregious Behaviour
We do not tolerate disrespectful behaviour of any kind in the TAN Lab. This expectation extends to how you act in your classes, at conferences, lab meetings, and any other scenarios where you are representing the lab. This behaviour includes, but is not limited to: gossiping about other lab members, violating confidentiality in official matters, misusing lab equipment for non-scientific purposes, and general unprofessional behaviour. If you have any questions about these guidelines or suspect someone is violating them, consult Dr. Krigolson.
Communication
Primary lab members are connected via the messaging app Slack, where you can message other lab members individually or in groups. Slack is a place where we discuss meeting times, general lab matters (equipment use, new policies, etc.), and share cool news about neuroscience. If you wish to communicate about more official matters or exchange work for review, we generally use email.
Academia grants us the privilege of working on our own schedules (within reason), and we extend this mindset to how we communicate work matters with each other. If you receive lab-related emails from coworkers after hours, on weekends, or on holidays you are not obligated to provide prompt responses.
Academia grants us the privilege of working on our own schedules (within reason), and we extend this mindset to how we communicate work matters with each other. If you receive lab-related emails from coworkers after hours, on weekends, or on holidays you are not obligated to provide prompt responses.
Conflict resolution
As a part of our goal to create a team of scientists that work well together, we are dedicated to ensuring every member do this in a mutually respectful way. Because we are all unique people from diverse backgrounds, this may prove to be challenging for some. We hope you can solve any grievances with another lab member by approaching them about it and working together for a solution. If not, you can communicate any problems to Dr. Krigolson. He will listen to you, judgement-free, and take action if necessary.
Equity and Diversity
Work-Life balance
Help Sources
Degree plans
Masters degree
Phd
undergraduate honours
conducting research in the TANLAB
Lab facilities and research tools
Steps for conducting research
Mandatory Research Checklist
Whenever you start a new research study in the TAN Lab, you must follow the steps on this checklist throughout the entire process:
TAN Lab Research Checklist
1. Study Design Approved
Expected Start Date
Number of participants
Rationale for design (one page summary + PP of trials)
Design Approval ____________(OK)
2. Ethics in place? YES / NO
What IRB Number?
(add photocopy of IRB to this folder) ____________________ (OK)
3. Study Presentation (at lab meeting)
Date:
Paradigm has been shown and discussed (YES / NO)
Issued resolved
Expected marker counts (list here)
Expected behavioural data (list here)
Expected ERP effect ___________________ (OK)
4. Pilot Data Collection Part A (behavioural)
One participant (colleague)
5. Pilot Data Collection Level II (behavioural + erp)
Three participants
Behavioural data analyzed with plots
ERP data analyzed with plots
ALL MARKERS CONFIRMED ___________________ (OK)
6. Study commences
Expected end date
RA team (who is helping)
Testing dates (list all)
__________________ (OK)
7. Data Review
Ten participants
Behavioural data analyzed with plots
ERP data analyzed with plots
ALL MARKERS CONFIRMED
Senior student verifies analysis ___________________ (SEN)
___________________ (OK)
8. Study End
Behavioural data analyzed with plots (histograms)
ERP data analyzed with plots
TRON file generated
EXCEL summary sheet
For each participants
Start segment count
End segment count
Artifact percentage
Channels interpolated
_____________________ (OK)
9. Dissemination
Target conference(s):
Target journal:
Draft to Olav by:
Both sign
___________________ _________________ (OK)
10. Submitted
Files organized on Westgrid
All ethics and other paperwork in folder
__________________ (OK)
Any questions about this checklist should be directed to Dr. Krigolson or a senior lab member. For a Word copy of this document, click here.
TAN Lab Research Checklist
1. Study Design Approved
Expected Start Date
Number of participants
Rationale for design (one page summary + PP of trials)
Design Approval ____________(OK)
2. Ethics in place? YES / NO
What IRB Number?
(add photocopy of IRB to this folder) ____________________ (OK)
3. Study Presentation (at lab meeting)
Date:
Paradigm has been shown and discussed (YES / NO)
Issued resolved
Expected marker counts (list here)
Expected behavioural data (list here)
Expected ERP effect ___________________ (OK)
4. Pilot Data Collection Part A (behavioural)
One participant (colleague)
- No crashes ___________________ (SEN)
5. Pilot Data Collection Level II (behavioural + erp)
Three participants
Behavioural data analyzed with plots
ERP data analyzed with plots
ALL MARKERS CONFIRMED ___________________ (OK)
6. Study commences
Expected end date
RA team (who is helping)
Testing dates (list all)
__________________ (OK)
7. Data Review
Ten participants
Behavioural data analyzed with plots
ERP data analyzed with plots
ALL MARKERS CONFIRMED
Senior student verifies analysis ___________________ (SEN)
___________________ (OK)
8. Study End
Behavioural data analyzed with plots (histograms)
ERP data analyzed with plots
TRON file generated
EXCEL summary sheet
For each participants
Start segment count
End segment count
Artifact percentage
Channels interpolated
_____________________ (OK)
9. Dissemination
Target conference(s):
Target journal:
Draft to Olav by:
Both sign
___________________ _________________ (OK)
10. Submitted
Files organized on Westgrid
All ethics and other paperwork in folder
__________________ (OK)
Any questions about this checklist should be directed to Dr. Krigolson or a senior lab member. For a Word copy of this document, click here.
Data Management and Storage
It is extremely important you keep all files, for both participant data and study information, organized and easy to find. Other researchers should be able to find your files and understand everything about them if they need to. This policy extends to things like detailed summary files of any EEG data, descriptive comments on experiment and analysis code, an experiment protocol folder (contains surveys, ethics approval, and scripts relvant to your study), etc. Think about it this way: If you need to come back to your files 5 years from now, will you be able to find and understand them? In terms of how you store this data, we use WestGrid for data security and management. When you join the lab, you will be given credentials to access this service and store your data.
Data Analysis
We have recently switched all of our data analysis to MATLAB. Resources for this can be found on Dr. Krigolson's GitHub: https://github.com/krigolson.
Writing Process
Once you’re finally done collecting and analyzing your data, it is time to write about it (However, it is probably smart that you start writing while you are collecting, it is the perfect time to get your introduction and methods started)! This may come in the form of your Thesis or a paper you intend to publish, and this will obviously change some aspects of how it is written. One very important piece of general advice: set hard deadlines/goals for how much you complete. In this phase it is easy to find yourself slacking off a bit, but this may be the last step before your defence so do not waste time. Any writing you do here will go through an extensive review process with the PhD students and Dr. Krigolson, so take that into account when you are writing.
Ethics approval
As mentioned in section 15, every research study must be covered under an ethics package approved by the UVic HREB. If your study idea is not covered under an existing package, you will have to create a new one using the online RAIS system. Dr. Krigolson will help you with this process by setting up a new package and allowing you to edit it. This task can be daunting to many, but if you use our existing packages as reference where they are relevant, and refer to the PhD students and lab managers who have experience completing these, you will find the process less stressful. We keep track of all of our ethics packages, so ask our Lab Manager where and how you can store information relevant to yours.
The review process and publishing research
Conference presentations
Undergraduate research assistants
Our lab consistently recruits undergraduate students from UVic’s Psychology and Exercise science and Physical Health Education departments to give them valuable experience in a research setting. Grad students conducting research in the lab may employ these students as research assistants in their studies. Research assistants are expected to contribute 3-6 hours of data collection help every week. ___
Lab meetings
The Krigolson Lab has a weekly scheduled meeting. The time is set at the start of each semester as schedules sometimes vary. Attendance at the weekly lab meeting in mandatory for all graduate students and staff. Undergraduates are welcome to attend but the time of the lab meeting typically is not set to their schedules and thus attendance may not be possible.
Typically, our lab meetings consist or a knowledge/learning piece, student presentations, and a discussion of administrative issues. The knowledge or learning piece is an opportunity for technology, software, analysis, statistics, and/or theory to be presented to the lab. Student presentations are typically project proposals or project updates.
Typically, our lab meetings consist or a knowledge/learning piece, student presentations, and a discussion of administrative issues. The knowledge or learning piece is an opportunity for technology, software, analysis, statistics, and/or theory to be presented to the lab. Student presentations are typically project proposals or project updates.
Travel
Travel to conferences and workshops is an important part of academic growth and will be supported as follows.
Undergraduate Students
Dr. Krigolson will cover all costs to and from the annual NOWCAM conference. See https://web.uvic.ca/~nowcam/ for more detail. Presentation expenses for any conference at the University of Victoria will also be covered.
MSc Students
MSc students will only be permitted to travel to conferences if they have something to present.
1st Year: Travel to the annual NOWCAM conference will be covered as it is expected that you will have pilot data to present.
2nd Year: Travel to one international conference (SfN, SPR, CNS) will be fully covered as long as you have data to present. You are required to apply for all internal grants (EPHE, GSS, EDUC, DMS, etc) to offset travel costs.
PhD Students
PhD students will have an annual budget of $1000 to use at their discretion for travel to conferences at which they are giving a presentation or to a workshop that they would like to attend. Of course, PhD students can apply for any additional funding (society, internal, etc) to maximize their travel opportunities.
Additional Travel
At times when the lab is "grant rich" Dr. Krigolson may announce additional travel opportunities in addition to the ones outlined above.
- what it means to have "data"...
Undergraduate Students
Dr. Krigolson will cover all costs to and from the annual NOWCAM conference. See https://web.uvic.ca/~nowcam/ for more detail. Presentation expenses for any conference at the University of Victoria will also be covered.
MSc Students
MSc students will only be permitted to travel to conferences if they have something to present.
1st Year: Travel to the annual NOWCAM conference will be covered as it is expected that you will have pilot data to present.
2nd Year: Travel to one international conference (SfN, SPR, CNS) will be fully covered as long as you have data to present. You are required to apply for all internal grants (EPHE, GSS, EDUC, DMS, etc) to offset travel costs.
PhD Students
PhD students will have an annual budget of $1000 to use at their discretion for travel to conferences at which they are giving a presentation or to a workshop that they would like to attend. Of course, PhD students can apply for any additional funding (society, internal, etc) to maximize their travel opportunities.
Additional Travel
At times when the lab is "grant rich" Dr. Krigolson may announce additional travel opportunities in addition to the ones outlined above.
- what it means to have "data"...
misc. Information
Acknowledgement
STUDENT FUNDING
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students are typically not funded. With that being said, honours students are strongly encourage to apply for a JCURA Award (https://www.uvic.ca/learningandteaching/students/student-awards/jcura/index.php). Additionally, the Krigolson Lab will support one or two NSERC USRA students each summer - these are full time paid research positions ($2000 a month, May to August). See https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/students-etudiants/ug-pc/usra-brpc_eng.asp for more details.
Graduate Students
Ideally, graduate students will be funded via scholarship by NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC or from another funding agency. In these instances, student are free to pursue other funding as they see fit. In other words, you can TA, etc as long as you do not break the guidelines of your funding agency.
On a case by case basis, Dr. Krigolson may accept an "unfunded" graduate student. In these instances, a funding plan will be established for the graduate student with a goal of getting the student to a funding level of $20000 CDN a year. This funding typically comprises a combination of TA positions, departmental and university awards, and money from Dr. Krigolson's research grants. For example, a graduate student plan might be $6000 from TA positions, $5000 in university scholarships, and $9000 from Dr. Krigolson. If a graduate student receives more funding (i.e., a new scholarship or donor award), then Dr. Krigolson's cash contribution will be reduced after the funding total exceeds $24000 a year for MSc students and $30000 for PhD students. Renewal of funding for subsequent years is dependent upon a satisfactory progress report in July of each year.
Graduate students that wish to "pay their own" way through graduate school will only be accepted after a meeting with Dr. Krigolson and an agreement on expectations.
Research Partnerships
The Krigolson Lab has had considerable success receiving money from industrial partners to pursue specific projects. Students will be recruited for these projects on a contract basis - the hours, compensation, and expectations will be established on a project by project basis. It is important to realize that research partnerships are not scholarships - weekly work expectations will be established and students will be removed from projects (and funding will cease) if weekly project goals are not met.
- is this on top, how does it fit in, hours per week
Undergraduate students are typically not funded. With that being said, honours students are strongly encourage to apply for a JCURA Award (https://www.uvic.ca/learningandteaching/students/student-awards/jcura/index.php). Additionally, the Krigolson Lab will support one or two NSERC USRA students each summer - these are full time paid research positions ($2000 a month, May to August). See https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/students-etudiants/ug-pc/usra-brpc_eng.asp for more details.
Graduate Students
Ideally, graduate students will be funded via scholarship by NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC or from another funding agency. In these instances, student are free to pursue other funding as they see fit. In other words, you can TA, etc as long as you do not break the guidelines of your funding agency.
On a case by case basis, Dr. Krigolson may accept an "unfunded" graduate student. In these instances, a funding plan will be established for the graduate student with a goal of getting the student to a funding level of $20000 CDN a year. This funding typically comprises a combination of TA positions, departmental and university awards, and money from Dr. Krigolson's research grants. For example, a graduate student plan might be $6000 from TA positions, $5000 in university scholarships, and $9000 from Dr. Krigolson. If a graduate student receives more funding (i.e., a new scholarship or donor award), then Dr. Krigolson's cash contribution will be reduced after the funding total exceeds $24000 a year for MSc students and $30000 for PhD students. Renewal of funding for subsequent years is dependent upon a satisfactory progress report in July of each year.
Graduate students that wish to "pay their own" way through graduate school will only be accepted after a meeting with Dr. Krigolson and an agreement on expectations.
Research Partnerships
The Krigolson Lab has had considerable success receiving money from industrial partners to pursue specific projects. Students will be recruited for these projects on a contract basis - the hours, compensation, and expectations will be established on a project by project basis. It is important to realize that research partnerships are not scholarships - weekly work expectations will be established and students will be removed from projects (and funding will cease) if weekly project goals are not met.
- is this on top, how does it fit in, hours per week
RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY
Graduate students are expected to conduct and disseminate research as a part of their graduate studies. Successful progress will be deemed to be:
MSc
1st Year: A minimum of one submitted manuscript (does not have to be first author)
2nd Year: Your thesis MUST be submitted as a first author manuscript BEFORE Dr. Krigolson will schedule a thesis defence.
PhD
1st Year: A minimum of one submitted manuscript (does not have to be first author UNLESS the student has done a MSc in the Krigolson Lab, then this must be a first author manuscript).
2nd Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
3rd Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
4th Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
5th Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
PhD Dissertation: At least two of the studies in the PhD Dissertation MUST be submitted for publication BEFORE Dr. Krigolson will schedule a dissertation defence. One of these papers can be used to count for the yearly productivity requirement.
These are the minimal acceptable publication standards. Failure to meet these standards will lead to a failed progress report and removal from the MSc/PhD program.
MSc
1st Year: A minimum of one submitted manuscript (does not have to be first author)
2nd Year: Your thesis MUST be submitted as a first author manuscript BEFORE Dr. Krigolson will schedule a thesis defence.
PhD
1st Year: A minimum of one submitted manuscript (does not have to be first author UNLESS the student has done a MSc in the Krigolson Lab, then this must be a first author manuscript).
2nd Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
3rd Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
4th Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
5th Year: A minimum of one submitted first author manuscript.
PhD Dissertation: At least two of the studies in the PhD Dissertation MUST be submitted for publication BEFORE Dr. Krigolson will schedule a dissertation defence. One of these papers can be used to count for the yearly productivity requirement.
These are the minimal acceptable publication standards. Failure to meet these standards will lead to a failed progress report and removal from the MSc/PhD program.
PROGRESS REPORTS
All MSc and PhD students will meet with Dr. Krigolson at the end of each semester to review progress as per the attached document. Satisfactory progress will be deemed to be a completion of the assigned goals for the given semester. Unsatisfactory progress will be a failure to meet the assigned goals. A single unsatisfactory progress report is a warning. A second unsatisfactory progress report during a students graduate studies will lead to dismissal from the graduate program.