Jonathan Benichov

Scientist

Neural Circuits for Vocal Communication
+49 8157 932 467

11/0.05

Main Focus

The ability to coordinate the timing of vocalizations is important for clear communication with a vocal partner. For example, spoken conversations require vocal turn-taking in order for speakers to avoid interfering with each other. Little is known about how the brain modulates the timing of vocal responses to sounds heard within an interactive context. My work makes use of electrophysiological and pharmacological methods to identify the neural circuit mechanisms underlying temporal coordination in vocally interacting songbirds.

Curriculum Vitae

Current Position

2021-Present: Scientist, Vallentin Group: Neural Circuits for Vocal Communication, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Seewiesen, Germany

Education

2015: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, City University of New York, USA

2007: B.S. in Cognitive Science, University of Connecticut, USA

Awards and Grants

2021-2024: Principal Investigator, DFG (German Research Foundation) Research Grant

2018: Konishi Neuroethology Research Award, International Society for Neuroethology

2010-2015: City University of New York Science Scholarship

Professional Experience

2019-2021: Postdoc, Vallentin Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Germany, now Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence

2016-2019: Postdoc, Vallentin Group, Institute of Behavioral Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany

2010-2016: Doctoral Student, Researcher and Lecturer, Tchernichovski Lab, Dept. of Psychology, Hunter College and Biology Dept., The City College of New York, USA

2007-2010: Research Specialist and Lab Manager, Wingfield Lab, Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, USA