1. Electron microscopy (EM) reconstructions must be used to precisely detect individual synapses. Because of the large scale of neuronal circuits, this requires developing automated image processing algorithms.

2. Statistical reconstructions of synaptic connectivity are pursued through light microscopy and electrophysiology.

3. Engineering principles of brain design and function. By answering "why" questions we establish structure-function relationships that help us understand the function of neuronal circuits.