# The Role of Hippocampal Theta Phase in Human Memory Encoding

> **NIH NIH F31** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $41,249

## Abstract

Project Summary Abstract
Episodic memory depends on the hippocampus and is thought to involve its rhythmic neural activity in the
theta-frequency band (approximately 3-8 Hz). The phase of the hippocampal theta oscillation in rodents is
thought to determine whether hippocampal processing is optimized for memory encoding versus retrieval by
biasing information flow in versus out of the hippocampus. However, neither the theta phase-dependence nor
the relationship between theta power and memory have been adequately tested in humans. This research and
training plan aims to address this by experimentally testing memory in human subjects undergoing
neurosurgical procedures that allow for direct recording of the hippocampal theta rhythm. Specifically, these
experiments will be performed in adults with epilepsy who are undergoing clinically necessary invasive
electrophysiological recording. A novel memory paradigm will be used to identify the relationship between
measured phase angles and power of the hippocampal theta oscillation and the success of specific memory
encoding events. Next, we will directly test the role of hippocampal theta power and phase in memory
encoding using direct electrical stimulation. Stimulation will be delivered to the hippocampal network in order to
entrain the theta oscillation. We will then assess the impact of this manipulation on memory encoding ability.
Findings may improve understanding of hippocampal neural mechanisms for learning and memory and inform
treatment of memory disorders. This research will provide the applicant, a student seeking a Ph.D. in
neuroscience, with training in sophisticated cognitive neuroscience experimentation on human memory using
invasive electrophysiology methods. This learning experience will be complemented by relevant coursework,
workshops, and mentored instruction in research design and methods, analytics, oral and written scientific
communication, and professional development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10313402
- **Project number:** 1F31MH125577-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Sarah Marissa Lurie
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $41,249
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10313402

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10313402, The Role of Hippocampal Theta Phase in Human Memory Encoding (1F31MH125577-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10313402. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*