Dr. Antonella Tramacere

I do research in philosophy of cognition and biology. I analyse the development of the Mirror neuron system, and its interactions with other neural networks in different animal species (mostly monkeys, songbirds and humans). I address the role of brain mechanisms in the emergence of cultural traits, like imitation, language and self-awareness. My goal is to ultimately build models of bidirectional relationship between culture and biology, gene and learning, in human behavior.

Currently, I am exploring the implications of new discoveries on the microbiome and the immune system, in the development and evolution of brain and behavior.