When we see a friend's face, how do we instantly know who they are?

Dora Sal looks closely at the brain patterns of monkeys to help unravel this

mystery. This year she received the Cavaly Prize in neuroscience with Nancy Canwisher

and Vynrick Freewald for identifying a specialized region of the brain where

facial recognition happens. Scientific American Custom Media, in partnership with the Cavley Prize,

spoke with Doris to learn more about her discoveries

and how she's using them to unlock a bigger question.

How do our brains represent the world?

As a kid, Dora Sow was surrounded by science. Her mother was a computer programmer and her

father is a mathematician.

I always grew up with the sense that

being a scientist was the most noble life calling

that really came from my parents talking to them. It was part of our family.

But Doris didn't think she'd be a scientist. I didn't think of myself as

particularly interested in science. I like math. My parents gave me geometry problems and I love that.

I certainly didn't think about the brain when I was in a kid. You know I like to play, I played with

Barbie dolls. I love to read biographies that all changed when she was in sixth grade I remember just waking up one morning and

Suddenly for no real reason wondering if space is infinite or not.

Because it seemed like if space is infinite,

that seems incredible.

I'd never thought about infinity before.

And if it wasn't, you you're how could that be right so I just

...