Mentor Areas
We study the organization of the human visual system using non-invasive techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging. A particular focus is relating the low-level properties of the structure and function of the eye to the organization of the human visual cortex, and how diseases that disrupt ophthalmologic function alter the visual system of the brain.
Description:
Our goal is to understand why some sensory experiences (bright and flickering lights, and touch to the face) are uncomfortable. These stimuli are especially discomforting for people with certain neurologic and ophthalmologic disease (such as migraine headache). We use quantitative models to characterize the perceptual and neural responses to carefully controlled versions of these stimuli. Current project involve 1) having people wear "light logger" devices to characterize the properties of light in their everyday visual environment; 2) measuring the ability of people to detect and discriminate varying intensities of puffs of air directed at the face; 3) using fMRI to characterize neural responses in the brainstem to these stimuli.
Preferred Qualifications
Quantitative and computer skills are valuable for work in the lab. In particular, familiarity with UNIX systems, computer programming (especially with MATLAB), working knowledge of statistics and linear algebra.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. GKAguirre Lab
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.