Dr. John O Doherty

Professor

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Biography

John O'Doherty is the Fletcher Jones Professor of Decision Neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology. He focuses on understanding the neural basis of reward-related learning and decision-making processes. His research explores how the human brain uses experience to make decisions that maximize future rewards while minimizing future costs. He has held various academic positions, including Assistant Professor and Associate Professor, before becoming a full Professor in 2009. Additionally, he served as the Director of the Caltech Brain Imaging Center from 2013 to 2017. O'Doherty's work incorporates methodologies such as neuroimaging and has applications in understanding complex computational problems in the context of evolutionary biology.

Research Interests

Experience

Fletcher Jones Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Teaches and conducts research in decision neuroscience.

Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Conducts research and teaches at the university.

Associate Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Taught and conducted research in related fields.

Assistant Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Initiated research program in decision neuroscience.

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.