Troy, Yimin CAI

Research interests

• Language production is a complex, hierarchical process encompassing multiple stages, from conceptual preparation and lexical selection to syntactic structuring and phonological encoding. Each level of processing corresponds to distinct neural activation patterns within the human brain, and understanding this hierarchical neural organization is critical for elucidating the mechanisms underlying speech generation. The brain supports this intricate process via dynamic and interactive neural networks exhibiting high levels of plasticity.


• My research aims to investigate the hierarchical model of language production and its neural correlates across these processing stages. Furthermore, I employ machine learning techniques to explore the commonalities and differences across diverse languages, seeking to identify universal principles of language processing.


• To achieve this, I utilize a combination of behavioral paradigms and neuroimaging methods, like Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), integrating advanced machine learning algorithms to systematically analyze and model the brain activation patterns associated with language production.