Research 

My research falls broadly into 2 categories: (1) basic research focusing on cognitive abilities and performance in complex domains, and (2) how humans use/design computing technology.

For example, I am interested in how individuals' visuospatial and attentional abilities influence how well they learn in complex domains, such as STEM areas. I evaluate different ways of presenting information to learners of different abilities, with the goal of identifying under what conditions the best learning is produced. Cognitive abilities dictate what (and how) we learn, and naturally are integral to the process of designing learning environments that maximize all individuals' learning potential.

Similarly, I am also interested in the design of interfaces and how humans interact with technology.  This includes aspects of both hardware and interface design, and typically falls under the domain of human-computer interaction or human factors. For example, my research has not only focused on physical aspects of these systems (e.g., screen size, mobile devices), but has also considered other advanced technologies (e.g., virtual reality, UAVs, sonification, robotics) and how they might impact end users.  In collaboration with my colleagues in Computer Science and Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering, I explore these topics across multiple contexts and applications.  Given the increasing integration of technology into our daily lives, it is imperative to have an appropriate understanding of what these technologies enable us to do (and not do) well. These issues must be investigated through quality research and the application of appropriate cognitive theory to improve the overall design process and final product.

While pursuing these lines of research, I have employed several different methodologies as a researcher, including think-aloud protocols, standard behavioral paradigms, advanced statistical modeling techniques, and also eyetracking.

My research has been funded by several state and federal agencies (thank you!), some of which appear below.

Research Sponsors