My research examines the neural and cognitive mechanisms of memory and visual perception. I am interested in the mechanisms of healthy cognition, as well as how these functions are disrupted by aging, or by brain damage in the ventral visual stream and medial temporal lobe. My trainees and I use computational models, fMRI and behavioral studies in humans. Research in my lab asks questions such as: What are the neural mechanisms of visual pattern completion? Does recollection require the hippocampus, or can it be mediated by other parts of the brain? How does interference cause forgetting, and does this change with age? We have also developed novel methods for fMRI analysis, for example using Bayesian hierarchical modeling to characterize the neural-level responses that give rise to the 'voxel tuning functions' observed in visual cortex.
keywords
Visual Memory, fMRI
Teaching
courses taught
PSYC 4155 - Cognitive Neuroscience/Neuropsychology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Introduction to cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. Provides a survey of the neuropsychological underpinnings for a wide range of cognitive functions: vision, object recognition, attention, language, memory and executive function. One lab per week. Same as NRSC 4155.
PSYC 5541 - Special Topics in Psychology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Studies and analyzes special interest topics from the broad and diversified field of psychology. Particular section content is determined by instructor. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary. Instructor consent required for students outside of the department.
PSYC 5695 - Memory Proseminar
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Provides beginning Ph.D. students with a basic introduction to (primarily human) memory research. One of the six required proseminar for students in the Cognitive Psychology Ph.D. program. Includes consideration of experimental, theoretical, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience perspectives on memory. Instructor consent required for students outside of the department.
