People · Principal Investigators
About
I'm a computational neuroscientist at the University of Sydney whose research focuses on understanding how flexible brain function emerges from interactions across multiple biological scales. My work centres on the dynamical principles governing large-scale neural systems, with particular emphasis on cerebellar-thalamocortical interactions, neuromodulatory arousal systems, and the low-dimensional structure of brain activity underlying cognition and consciousness. I develop and apply empirically informed biophysical models alongside data-driven approaches to link cellular and circuit-level mechanisms with whole-brain dynamics in humans and animal models. More broadly, my research explores how control and dynamical systems theory can be used to explain rapid, moment-to-moment reconfiguration of brain states, and how these principles may inform both neuroscience and next-generation artificial intelligence.
What's a fun fact about you?
I'm addicted to the ocean, surfing, playing and writing music, reading (non-science), and exploring new aspects of nature
Projects
Multiscale Brain Organisation
Investigates how neural systems organize across multiple scales, from local circuits to global network dynamics. This project integrates computational models with empirical neurobiological data to understand principles of brain organization.
AAS + Gain Modulation
Studies how gain modulation in ascending arousal systems affects neural computation and behavior. Combines theoretical models of gain control with experimental measurements to understand how arousal states modulate sensory and motor processing.
Delegation to Automaticity
Investigates the neural mechanisms by which cognitive control is gradually transferred from attention-demanding systems to automatic/subcortical systems during skill learning. Tracks circuit reorganization as behaviors transition from conscious to unconscious processing.
Selected Publications
Shine JM, Müller EJ, Munn B, Cabral J, Moran RJ, Breakspear M
Munn BR, Müller EJ, Wainstein G, Shine JM
Müller EJ, Munn BR, Redinbaugh MJ, Lizier J, Breakspear M, Saalmann YB, Shine JM
Müller EJ, Munn BR, Shine JM
Müller EJ, Munn BR, Aquino KM, Shine JM, Robinson PA