Speaker: Dr. Maria Kozhevnikov, Associate Professor of Psychology George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Date: Friday,October 23
Time: 1:25 pm - 2:25 pm
Location: 3100 Torgersen

ABSTRACT:
The visual system processes object properties (such as shape and color) and spatial properties (such as location and spatial relations) in distinct systems, and this distinction extends to visual imagery and visual cognitive style. The speaker will present the results of neuroimaging studies conducted to investigate the neural mechanisms of the individual differences in object- versus spatial-visual processing. In addition, she will discuss how these individual differences affect more complex activities, such as spatial navigation and wayfinding performance, as well as possible ways to train visual skills and design 3D immersive learning technologies that can accommodate individual differences in imagery and visual cognitive styles.

Speaker's background:
Maria Kozhevnikov's research interest focuses on examining neural mechanisms of visual/spatial imagery as well as in exploring the ways to train visual/spatial imagery skills and design learning technologies that can accommodate individual differences and learning styles. Maria Kozhevnikov received her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at UC Santa Barbara. Currently, she is an Associate Professor of Psychology at George Mason University. In the past two years, she has served as a Program Director for the Science of Learning Centers (SLC) Program at National Science Foundation, where she manages awards for large-scale, lon National Science Foundation, where she manages awards for large-scale, long-term Centers that study learning across multiple disciplines.