Computation and Cognition, Philosophy · Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Oluwagbemiga (Gbemi) Odebode

Investigating perception and how the brain
constructs representations of the world.

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The Neural Basis of Cognition

I am a second year undergraduate in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I study the neural basis of cognition, with a particular focus on abstraction, inference, working memory, attention, and decision-making. This summer, I am studying object and event perception with Perception & Mind Lab under the guidance of Dr. Chaz Firestone. I currently work with the Miller and Jazayeri Labs at MIT. I began my research career under the careful mentorship of the Shushruth Lab at the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognititon at CMU and the University of Pittsburgh.

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins University Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition
Oluwagbemiga (Gbemi) Odebode
2 Projects
2+ Years
3 Labs

Current Focus

I combine electrophysiology and computational modeling to understand how the brain regulates and enacts cognition.

Statistical inference

Using your knowledge of statistical regularities to make better judgements. Recording from large populations of neurons across brain regions to understand cortical control in primates .

Brain waves and mental stability

Developing statisical methods to understand how neural dynamics, like oscillatory brain rhythms, contribute to cognition and consciousness. Evidencing unconsciousness from general anesthesia is due to altering brain waves and increasing brain chaos.

Neural basis of abstraction

Understanding how abstract properties of sensory information (say, the color of an object or its direction of motion) are stored and used to guide actions.

Notable Work

2026

O. Odebode, “The Brain as a Computer: Meaningful Information from Meaningless Computation" 24.09 - Minds and Machines, Paper.

2025

O. Odebode, “A Topographic Map of Sensory, Motor, and Memory Neurons in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex" Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair, Poster, Presentation.

2024

O. Odebode, S. Shushruth. “Are Perceptual Decisions Influenced by Working Memory?” Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair, Poster, Paper, Presentation.

Full publication list →

Awards & Honors

2026
Career Exploration Fellowship MIT Office for Career Advising and Professional Development
2025
1st Place, Biology Senior Division Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science
2025
Excellence in Basic Science Research in Biological Sciences Carnegie Mellon Biological Sciences Department
2025
Aspirations in Computing High School Award Western PA Winner National Center for Women & Information Technology
2025
Aspirations in Computing High School Award National Winner National Center for Women & Information Technology
2024
1st Place, Behavior & Social Science Senior Division Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair
2024
Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology Avonworth High School, University of Rochester
2024
Aspirations in Computing High School Award Western PA Affiliate Rising Star National Center for Women & Information Technology

Interviews & Media

Let's Connect

Prospective mentors, collaborators, and peers; please reach out.