Research Focus

Our lab studies perception of sound location, speech, and music and how auditory processing is affected by attention and memory demands. Recent work is also examining interactions between the auditory system and association and motor systems. In addition, we use the auditory system as a model for understanding cognitive and neurobiological changes that accompany normal aging and dementing disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

Many experiments in our lab monitor the brain’s electrical activity using event-related potentials and EEG techniques while participants simultaneously perform cognitive tasks to assess perception, attention, and memory. We have recently incorporated transcranial magnetic and electrical (direct current) stimulation techniques as a way to transiently influence brain activity and study relations between the auditory and motor systems.

Upcoming Speakers

Thursday, 03 Dec 09
4PM in LBC 203
"How are memories made? Circuits, Structure, and Molecules"
Gavin Rumbaugh, PhD
University of Alabama at Birmingham