Yuan Chang Leong

I direct the Computational Affective and Social Neuroscience Laboratory (CASNL) in the Department of Psychology. Research in my lab investigates the neural and computational mechanisms underlying how emotions affect how people see, remember, and interact with others. We take a multimodal approach that combines brain imaging with behavioral experiments, physiological measures, computational models, and machine learning methods.  

Recently, we have also started using AI models as artificial model organisms of the human and brain, similar to how animal models serve as model organisms for biology. In this line of work, we have AI models and humans perform the same tasks, while assessing the alignment in representations and behavior. As the models are fully controllable, we can systematically intervene on their inputs or architecture to generate testable predictions about human behavior and brain function.

To learn more about Dr. Leong’s work, check out the CASNL Website and his appearance on the Mind Matters Podcast.