Our work emphasizes the combined application of behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) methods, using the methods of computational neuroscience to link these variables.There are currently three major areas of emphasis in our lab:

1. Effects of brain iron deficiency and repletion on perception, memory, and cognition: In this line of work we are documenting (using a combination of behavioral, EEG, and MRI measures) the extent to which iron deficiency produce measurable, and correctable, changes in basic perceptual, mnemonic, and cognitive abilities. In addition, we are testing hypotheses regarding the effect of iron depletion and repletion on specific cortical and sub-cortical circuits that support learning, memory, and the interaction of attention with memory.
2. Theoretical and empirical characterizations of perceptual organization (configurality): Our lab, in partnership with Jim Townsend's lab at Indiana University, is pursuing a linked theoretical and empirical program aimed at developing and testing general, theoretically-grounded definitions of configurality, with a particular interest in facial perception and memory.
3. Behavioral regularities and neural mechanisms of perceptual learning: This work is pursuing two broad goals. The first is to provide simultaneous behavioral and neurophysiological evidence capable of supporting or refuting hypotheses of multiple, simultaneously-available levels of coding in visual perceptual learning. The second is to develop computational, biophysically-constrained models of the networks that support the learning and expression of visual perceptual learning.

We also have a line of work with collaborators at the Health Sciences Center. Our collaborators include Dr. Barbara Carlson, Dr. Linda Hershey, Dr. Melissa Craft, and Dr. Lauren Ethridge.

1. Cerebral Oxygenation and Memory Consolidation in Elders with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment
2. Chemobrain and Aging in Breast Cancer Survivors
3. Description and Comparison of Cerebral Oxygenation and Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Lewy Body Dementia and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment