VCA Lab Members

Lisa N. Jefferies, M.A., Ph.D.

Welcome to the Visual Cognition & Attention Lab! I am a cognitive psychologist and Senior Lecturer (equivalent to an assistant professor in North America) in the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University (Gold Coast campus). My pronouns are she/her/hers.

I am interested in how attention allows us to flexibly and efficiently interact with our visual world. Recently, I have become particularly interested in understanding the effects of sudden distraction on attention and how phasic activation of the Locus Coeruleus - Norepinephrine system causes reflexive changes to attention. You can read more about the research going on in the lab on our research page.

I acknowledge with respect and appreciation the Yugambeh/ Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live and work. I also acknowledge their continuing spiritual connection to the land and waters. I pay my respects to them and to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I am committed to making the VCA lab a safe and welcoming place for everyone, regardless of racial, cultural, or religious background, gender, gender identity, sexuality, ability, or age. As long as you're excited about attention, perception, vision, or cognition (or think that you might be), this lab is the place for you! Come and join us! Read our statement of commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness.

In my personal life, I am an avid hiker, passionate amateur photographer, music enthusiast, and lover of languages (everything from thinking about the development of language to actually learning languages). And then, of course, there's coffee ...!

If you are interested in joining the VCA Lab as a volunteer, honours student, or graduate student, please get in touch. The best way to reach me is by email: L.Jefferies@griffith.edu.au

Current lab members:

Emily Ireland, PhD candidate

Hi, my name is Emily Ireland and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am currently completing my clinical PhD at Griffith University co-supervised by Lisa Jefferies and Rebecca Lawrence. My research focuses on investigating how fundamental visual attention mechanisms may differ among individuals with and without ADHD. I am currently completing my clinical training and work as in intern in the Griffith Psychology Clinic.

Lisa lui, PhD Candidate

My name is Lisa Lui, my pronouns are She/Her/Hers. I recently graduated from a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2021. My thesis investigated the effects of distractor prevalence on visual search and search termination. Currently, I am interested in examining how individual differences affect the deployment of attention, particularly in terms of language and bilingualism.

Art by Lisa Lui!

Madison Jones, phd candidate

My Name is Madison Jones, my pronouns are she/her. My research is centred around investigating hemispheric asymmetry and visual field biases. I am specifically focused on understanding how variations in levels of autistic traits and changes in perceptual load of a task influences the occurrence and duration of visual field biases. My areas of interest are in child development psychology, particularly relating to neurodevelopmental disorders, and cognitive neuropsychology. I love to ice skate, crochet, and am a lover of all things music (especially musical theatre).

April Dower, PhD candidate

Hi, my name is April Dower, and my pronouns are she/her. I completed my Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2024 and have recently begun my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Griffith University. I have a strong interest in anxiety and visual attention, with my current research focusing on attentional biases for threat and other visual behaviours in anxiety. Outside of my research, I also love all things creative – you can usually find me drawing, playing games, or listening to music in my spare time.

Ursula Nicole Fernandini Munoz, HOnours Student

My name is Nicole Fernandini, and my pronouns are she/her. I am currently completing my Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Griffith University. My research project will focus on the effects of working memory on divided attention efficiency. In my spare time, I love surfing, travelling, and listening to music.

Lydia Nunn, HOnours Student

My name is Lydia Nunn, and my pronouns are she/her. I am currently completing my Honours year in Psychology at Griffith University. My Honours research focuses on visual field asymmetries, more specifically, how autistic traits may be linked to visual field asymmetries. I am interested in developmental and forensic psychology, and I am passionate about contributing to research which can help society develop a better understanding of Autism. What initially sparked my interest in psychology was true crime, particularly the psychological aspects of criminal behaviour, and it's something I still enjoy exploring in my free time. Outside of my research, I also love snowboarding, learning about history, and listening to music.