The Research on Ecological and Applied Cognition in Humans Lab

The R.E.A.C.H. Lab focuses on exploring diverse topics across neuroscience and cognitive psychology. More specifically, current investigations focus on threat processing among LGBTQIA+ individuals, differences in emotion processing, nature exposure, the effects of dual-tasking, and mindfulness training. As one unifying theme in this research, neuroimaging methods of electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs) are often utilized. The lab incorporates these tools to investigate how societal stressors and neural mechanisms influence emotion regulation and threat perception within LGBTQIA+ communities, aiming to enhance mental well-being and resilience. Additionally utilizing EEG, research explores individual differences in emotion processing--considering how mood, social interactions, and interpersonal relationships shape the perception and encoding of emotional information. The lab, as another core theme, explores cognition with an emphasis on ecological validity or the idea that lab-based results should be applicable to real-life settings. Within this umbrella, the lab delves into the impact of built vs. natural environments on creativity, employing frameworks like Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and exploring group dynamics in task completion. The lab also investigates dual-tasking scenarios, particularly those associated with driving and work-related communications in order to understand performance costs and motivations behind such behaviors. Research also extends to mindfulness interventions, comparing the efficacy of different training approaches in improving cognitive and emotional regulation with an interest in facilitating metacognitive awareness. Through these interdisciplinary investigations, we aim to deepen our understanding of human cognition and behavior, with implications for improving mental health and well-being.