Welcome to CNIL.
At the Cognitive Neuroimaging Lab at USC, we study how the human brain creates meaning, constructs identity, and connects us to one another. Using advanced brain imaging methods such as functional MRI, we investigate the neural processes that underlie storytelling, belief, empathy, and the sense of self.
Our work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and the humanities. We are especially interested in how narratives shape the way people understand the world, how strongly held beliefs resist change, and how the brain makes sense of complex emotions. By combining experimental design, neuroimaging, and computational approaches, we aim to uncover the principles of human cognition that allow us to make meaning from our lives and to connect with others.
Ultimately, our goal is to deepen scientific understanding of the mind while fostering insights that can inform human well-being, communication, and collaboration.