His research investigates the neural mechanisms of social cognition and social decision-making. Steve has been in the forefront of using live social interaction paradigms in rhesus macaques for investigating the neural mechanisms underlying social motivation (leading up to either prosocial or antisocial behaviors) and how social motivation could be improved by oxytocin both at the behavioral as well as at the level of single neurons. The ultimate goal of his research is to elucidate the neurophysiological and neuroendocrinological mechanisms underlying social deficits in psychiatric disorders. Education & Training