ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Dr. Jeremy Richman, a neuro-scientist at Yale University, held a lecture at Saint John Fisher College.

He says scientists need to research the brain in depth because we know very little about its complexity.

Dr. Richman says these studies may help us understand why tragic events happen.

He and his wife Jennifer lost their daughter, Avielle, in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting.

Richman's goal is to teach people how to responsibly reach out to those at risk of violence.

"We're very adapt at responding to violence, but we're not as committed to funding, the understanding of what happens," Dr. Richman said. "What are the pathologies? Can we identify and name them? Can we understand them so that we can see violence as the disease that it is and treat it in a medical fashion to prevent, intervene, or cure it."

Doctor Richman and his wife started the Avielle Foundation, which researches the causes in the brain that lead to violent behaviors.