Research

Research Overview

My research in the Seitz Lab investigates how variations in the Locus Coeruleus (LC) influence perception and memory in older adults. This work aims to identify potential biomarkers and interventions for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

Current Projects

LC Integrity and Cognitive Function in Aging

The primary research program employs advanced MRI techniques and psychophysical assessments to characterize how LC integrity moderates behavior, focusing on: - Auditory and visual perception - Visual memory consolidation - Metacognitive efficiency - Age-related cognitive differences

Ongoing Studies

1. Behavioral Analysis of Older Adults
   • Analyzing psychometric functions and pupillometry
   • Correlating with neuroimaging metrics
2. Metacognitive Efficiency Analysis
   • Comparing younger and older adults
   • Focusing on auditory and visual perceptual tasks

Published Research

Physical Effort and Perception

• The Effect of Physical Effort on Perception and Visual Memory: A Pupillometric Analysis
  • Manuscript in preparation
  • Investigating impact on younger adults
  • Analyzing pupillometric data

Conference Presentations

• The Differential Effect of Physical Effort within Perceptual and Visual Memory Domains (Psychonomics 2024)
  • Analysis of Psychometric Functions
  • Presented at Psychonomic Society Conference, NYC
• Validation of Manipulation Methods (ICLM 2023)
  • Study with younger adults
  • Presented at Learning & Memory Conference, Huntington Beach

Previous Research

• The Effects of Self-Guided Meditation and Napping on Memory Consolidation
  • M.Sc. thesis research at Queen’s University
  • Investigation of memory consolidation mechanisms
• Critical Examination of the Role of Sleep on Memory Consolidation
  • Review paper published on Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

Lab Collaboration

• Design and implementation of psychophysical experiments using pupillometry
• Development of experimental paradigms in PsychToolbox for precise stimulus presentation
• Application of signal detection theory and computational modeling for perceptual data analysis
• Project coordination and supervision of research assistants
• Implementation of real-time data processing and analysis pipelines
• Literature reviews and documentation of experimental procedures