Language is a powerful window into the human mind. As the primary tool through which we express thoughts, emotions, and intentions, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate mechanisms of cognition. In our lab, we understand how the brain processes language and other cognitive functions, with a focus on the interplay between the brain's two hemispheres. We investigate how the left and right hemispheres contribute both independently and interactively to cognitive processes. 

Our research is centered on the use of the visual half-field presentation paradigm, a method that involves briefly presenting stimuli to either the left or right visual field. Due to the anatomical organization of the visual system—where each hemisphere initially processes information from the opposite visual field—this technique allows us to isolate hemisphere-specific responses and study interhemispheric communication (picture below). This paradigm is especially valuable for identifying lateralized functions of the brain and tracking how information is transferred and integrated across hemispheres during cognitive tasks.

To investigate these questions, we employ a multimodal research approach. Behavioral analyses such as reaction times and accuracy help us quantify performance, while electrophysiological methods like electroencephalography (EEG) provide precise temporal resolution of neural activity. We also utilize a range of neuroimaging tools, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to localize brain activity, structural MRI (sMRI) to examine brain anatomy, resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) to assess functional connectivity during rest, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to visualize white matter pathways such as the corpus callosum that mediate interhemispheric transfer. This integrative methodology is effective in examining cognition from multiple perspectives, capturing both the spatial and temporal dynamics of brain function.

Our lab follows two main research tracks. The first track focuses on basic ideas in cognitive neuroscience, especially related to language processing. Here, we conduct controlled experiments designed to uncover the underlying mechanisms in hemispheric processing. By examining behavioral responses, neural signatures, and brain activation patterns, we aim to construct a detailed understanding of how the brain represents and organizes information. This track provides support for theoretical models of lateralization, interhemispheric coordination, and the broader architecture of cognition. 

The second is oriented toward applied cognitive research, where our goal is to translate empirical findings into practical solutions, particularly in the diagnosis and assessment of cognitive impairments and developmental conditions. This track is dedicated to understanding how experimental evidence can inform real-world challenges by identifying cognitive phenomena that can be used to develop diagnostic technologies and assessment tools. Students in this track are encouraged to explore how theoretical principles of cognitive science can be applied to real-world problems.

Both research tracks are unified by our use of the visual half-field presentation paradigm, which remains central to our investigations of hemispheric specialization and integration. We welcome students and researchers who are passionate about exploring the mind. Whether you are an undergraduate to begin your research, a graduate student to develop research idea, or a postdoctoral researcher to collaborate study in cognitive neuroscience, we invite you to join our lab. We value intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to scientific discovery, and we are always open to new perspectives and ideas. If you are interested in our work or in joining our lab, please contact us at sangyub0310@jnu.ac.kr. We look forward to hearing from you and to potentially working together in CHILL.