Research Interests

Attention and Performance, Skill Acquisition and Skilled Performance, Mathematical Modeling of Human Performance, Cognitive Psychophysiology (eye tracking, EEG), Cognition in the Wild (Attention Restoration Theory), Cognitive Distraction in the Vehicle

My work examines how attention functions within multiple research domains, from assessing the limits of human multitasking ability while performing complex tasks such as driving, to studying how attentional capacities can be restored by interacting with nature. We use converging methodologies in our lab to measure changes in both attention and performance, from psychophysiological (EEG and fMRI), subjective ratings, to primary (e.g., driving performance) and secondary task (e.g., reaction time) measures.

Opportunities For Students

We regularly have undergraduate research assistant volunteer positions available at the beginning of Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. Contact my graduate students (listed below) for more information.

My Applied Cognition Laboratory accepts graduate students roughly every other year. Feel free to contact me or my graduate students (listed below) if you have questions about this year's application process.

Applied Cognition Lab

The Applied Cognition Lab also studies the attention network of the brain and how it is modulated by time spent in nature. We use electroencephalography, electrocardiography, and cognitive and behavioral measures to explore potential biomarkers for the so-called ‘nature effect’. Over the last decade, the University of Utah has been studying driver distraction to better understand how and why people can become overloaded while multi-tasking. We use sophisticated equipment, including driving simulators, eye trackers, and we also measure brain activity (electroencephalography) and use neuroimaging technology (functional magnetic resonance imaging) to understand the cognitive neuroscience of driver distraction. The Applied Cognition Lab also studies the attention network of the brain and how it is modulated by time spent in nature. We use electroencephalography, electrocardiography, and cognitive and behavioral measures to explore potential biomarkers for the so-called ‘nature effect’.