# Memory fragmentation during threat-driven naturalistic events

> **NIH NIH F31** · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · 2022 · $34,739

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Threat as a behavioral and neural construct impacts memory quality. Animal models show arousal-related
dysfunction of the MTL, with homologs in the human neuroimaging literature. Specifically, high arousal biases
memory encoding towards item-based processing at the detriment of contextual binding in the hippocampus,
leading towards memory fragmentation. Research using naturalistic stimuli (i.e., movie clips) allows realistic
portrayal to induce threat-driven episodic memory and subsequent impact of accurate arousal-induced
dysfunction; however, the role of functional engagement of the MTL have not been wholly identified during the
encoding and retrieval of arousal-driven events. The proposed study will utilize ecologically valid experimental
designs of tasked-based imaging techniques during encoding and retrieval using naturalistic event memoranda
and unconstrained free recall, to better model real-world contexts. This proposal will provide a neurobiological
foundation to identify biases in memory due to threat-related arousal. Further, this project and fellowship would
allow me to obtain key training opportunities, particularly in neuroimaging analysis, statistical modeling, and
theoretical understanding of synthesizing the cognitive neuroscience of memory and neuromodulation; all of
which I would not otherwise have the time to receive without this funding. My mentor, co-mentor and I have
designed a training plan that will allow me to translate animal models into human neuroimaging research, and
gain skills to apply these methods to provide frameworks to understand how threat-related arousal biases
memory cohesion. Further, through these experiences I will master analysis techniques needed to characterize
neurobehavioral correlates of task-based imaging study designs. These efforts will ensure I gain the
professional, analytical, and theoretical skills necessary for my future career as an independent investigator in
the domain of arousal-related memory. The support of this fellowship will allow me to round out my education
and develop into a productive and impactful researcher, identifying neural mechanisms for threat-related
arousal impacts on natural memory formation and memory fragmentation, which I will hope to apply to models
of PTSD in the future.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10462905
- **Project number:** 1F31MH129073-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** David Franklin Gregory
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $34,739
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-30 → 2024-06-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10462905

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10462905, Memory fragmentation during threat-driven naturalistic events (1F31MH129073-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10462905. Licensed CC0.

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