Squire, Larry
Early Life and Education
Larry Ryan Squire was born on May 4, 1941, in Cherokee, Iowa, United States. He showed an early interest in science, which was nurtured by his parents. Squire pursued his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1963. He then attended the University of California, San Diego, where he completed his Ph.D. in 1968 under the mentorship of neuropsychologist Robert Galambos. His doctoral research focused on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying auditory perception.
Academic Career
After completing his Ph.D., Squire undertook postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with Hans-Lukas Teuber, a pioneer in the field of neuropsychology. During his time at MIT, Squire began to focus on the role of the hippocampus in memory formation. In 1970, he joined the faculty at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he has remained throughout his career. Squire is also a Research Career Scientist at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System.
Research Contributions
Memory Systems
Squire's research has significantly advanced our understanding of memory systems in the brain. He is best known for his work on the distinction between declarative memory and non-declarative memory. Declarative memory, which includes episodic memory and semantic memory, involves the conscious recollection of facts and events. Non-declarative memory, on the other hand, includes skills and habits, and is not accessible to conscious awareness.
The Role of the Hippocampus
One of Squire's seminal contributions is his research on the role of the hippocampus in memory. He demonstrated that the hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new declarative memories but is not required for the retrieval of old memories or for non-declarative memory. This finding was supported by his studies on patients with amnesia, particularly those with damage to the hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobe structures.
Animal Models
Squire has also utilized animal models to study memory. His work with non-human primates and rodents has provided insights into the neural circuits involved in memory processing. These studies have helped to elucidate the roles of various brain regions, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and basal ganglia, in different types of memory.
Publications and Impact
Larry Squire has authored or co-authored over 500 scientific papers and several influential books, including "Memory and Brain" (1987) and "Fundamental Neuroscience" (2002). His work is highly cited, reflecting its impact on the fields of neuroscience and psychology. Squire's research has not only advanced our understanding of memory but has also influenced clinical approaches to memory disorders.
Awards and Honors
Squire's contributions to neuroscience have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Society for Neuroscience. In 1993, he received the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association. He has also been awarded the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience and the National Medal of Science.
Personal Life
Larry Squire is married to Carol Squire, and they have two children. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys hiking, classical music, and reading. Squire is known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and has supervised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers in neuroscience.