Team Leader

Decades of work have revealed rich neural representations of space and episodic memory in the hippocampus and neighboring cortices of mammals from rodents to humans, with provocative similarities and differences across brain regions and species. My research takes a multidisciplinary approach to better understand these representations and the functions they support, with a particular emphasis on bridging the gaps between brain regions, species, and levels of explanation. I have led and collaborated on projects leveraging a diverse range of techniques including in vivo electrophysiology in rodents, in vivo calcium imaging in rodents, chemogenetic circuit manipulations in rodents, behavior in both rodents and humans, functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans, and computational modeling with tests of the specific hypotheses generated by these models in both rodents and humans. While it is uncommon in our field for one’s work to cut across multiple techniques and species, continued advances have led to a mounting need for such work. Now as an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, this need has become the foundational focus of my lab. 

Contact: atk@uic.edu

Google Scholar Profile

Lab Manager (Joined September 2024)

Hi there! I'm the lab manager for the Keinath Lab and a research specialist for Drs. Jamie and Mitch Roitman. I received my B.S. in neuroscience at UIC, where I became interested in the complexities of brain function and behavior. Here in the Keinath Lab, I have gained comprehensive lab experience and have gained a strong understanding of how the hippocampus facilitates spatial navigation. I look forward to furthering my knowledge and contributing to the lab's research! In my free time, I like to listen to music (currently on a heavy rotation of Britney Spears and *NSYNC) and read fiction novels.

Mitch Roitman Lab

Contact: rbarr7@uic.edu

Graduate Student (Joined June 2023)

I completed a BS in psychology with a minor in biology at UIC. Towards the end of my undergraduate degree I developed a strong fixation on the underlying computational and network dynamics of the brain. I am interested in taking a computational approach to modeling the role of the hippocampus in spatial navigation and memory. 

Personal website

Contact: specir2@uic.edu

Graduate Student (Joined March 2026)

Hi! I received my BS in Finance from UIC in 2019. After a six-year career in private investments, I decided to follow my passions and ultimately transitioned into a graduate program focused on psychological research. I am excited to now join the Keinath Lab at UIC and the PhD program in Brain and Cognitive Sciences beginning this Fall! I am eager to contribute to the field of spatial navigation and memory and to expand my understanding of the neural mechanisms of behavior in rodents and humans. I am also intrigued by computational models in neuroscience and understanding how to leverage such models to better understand neural processes. I enjoy learning about various experimental and imaging techniques in the lab as well, and I can't wait to expand my knowledge and learn from the many talents that exist in this space. 

Contact: mszymc3@uic.edu

Undergraduate Research Assistant (Joined 2025)

Hello! My name is Michael Kim, and I am an undergraduate Neuroscience major with a Philosophy minor at the University of Illinois Chicago, with an expected graduation date of Spring 2027. I am deeply interested in neurobehavioral systems and the computational methods used to understand their relationship with the brain. Working in the Keinath Lab has given me the amazing opportunity to gain hands-on experience while also learning from high-level neuroscience research. In my free time, I like to play tennis and indulge in an occasional Netflix K-drama binge. Also, fun fact, Mike Kim backwards is also Mike Kim.  

(2025-2026 CURA Awardee)

Contact: mkim1224@uic.edu

Undergraduate Research Assistant (Joined 2025)

Hi! I'm a third year Neuroscience major and English minor at UIC with an expected graduation date of Fall 2026. My overarching goal is to conduct research in cognitive / behavioral neuroscience that expands the field of human psychology. I'm still working through my varied interests to find something to focus on, but my time at Keinath Lab has been wonderfully informative! I'm excited to continue working in the lab and furthering my understanding of spatial navigation in the hippocampus. In my free time, I love to read, write, and play videogames with my siblings. 

Contact: nraza4@uic.edu

Undergraduate Research Assistant (Joined 2026)

Hello! My name is Sofia Wenzel, and I am a third-year neuroscience major double-minoring in chemistry and computer science. The computational mechanisms of human cognition have fascinated me, and I aim to conduct research on this topic! Although I do not yet know which specific aspect of cognition I would like to research, working in the Keinath Lab has provided me with a strong foundation in this branch of research. In my free time, I like to attend music events, DJ, read, cuddle with my dogs, and play tennis!

Contact: swenz3@uic.edu

Undergraduate Research Assistant (Joined 2026)

Hello! I am an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Kinesiology. My primary academic interests are on understanding human cognition and behavior. Working in the Keinath Lab has been a valuable experience, allowing me to engage in the research process. In my free time, I like to exercise and listen to music. 

Contact: oliso@uic.edu