Scott Blain, Phd Email and Phone Number

I am a computational neuroscientist exploring how cognitive systems identify meaningful patterns, navigate social complexities, and maintain a healthy balance between discovery and reality-testing. My research program integrates cognitive science, neuroscience, and computational modeling to understand how biological intelligence remains adaptable without losing reliability.With 35 publications and 800+ citations in leading journals, I have uncovered core mechanisms of cognitive control, social intelligence, and the neural circuitry underlying adaptive decision-making. My work on apophenia—excessive pattern detection—has shed light on how the brain’s control systems regulate exploratory tendencies, offering insights into clinical conditions (e.g., psychosis) and practical parallels in AI “hallucinations.” By leveraging large-scale neuroimaging datasets and advanced computational methods, I have mapped the neural networks involved in balancing exploration and constraint. In parallel, my research on social cognition has demonstrated that enhanced abilities can drive both pro-social behaviors (e.g., empathy) and concerning tendencies (e.g., manipulation).Currently a Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University, I integrate computational psychiatry, machine learning, and cognitive neuroscience to push the boundaries of our understanding. Previously, I was a Research Fellow at the University of Michigan. I hold a Ph.D. in Psychology/Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota (NSF Graduate Research Fellow) and a B.S. in Cognitive Science from Vanderbilt University. My interdisciplinary skill set positions me to contribute unique perspectives to both academic research and industry initiatives focused on AI interpretability, safety, and alignment.