Raja Parasuraman visits UCF on Nov. 19

Through the Distinguished Speakers series, the College of Sciences is bringing Raja Parasuraman to UCF on November 19.

Parasuraman will speak at 2:45 p.m. in the large auditorium in Classroom One. His talk is titled “Cognitive Superstars: Behavioral, Neuroimaging, and Genetic Studies.”

“People differ in their cognitive abilities, but a few are very different. In this talk I describe case studies of individuals who are literally ‘off the charts’ in such cognitive domains as selective attention, working memory, vigilance, and face recognition—as revealed in behavioral and neuroimaging (fMRI and ERP) studies. Examining variations in neurotransmitter genes can contribute to an initial understanding of extraordinary cognitive ability. However a more complete understanding  will require additional research examining how multiple genes interact with each other and with experience and training to produce cognitive experts,” Parasuraman said.

He is the director of the Center of Excellence in Neuroergonomics, Technology, and Cognition (CENTEC), which was officially launched at George Mason University on July 15.

Neuroergonomics is the study of the human brain in relation to performance in everyday settings. The research aims to advance the understanding of human brain function in mental and physical processes. Neuroergonomics also uses existing and developing knowledge to design technologies, systems and environments for better work.

CENTEC supports the US Air Force mission of enhanced human effectiveness in air, space, and cyberspace operations. The Center also trains graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in advanced areas of neuroergonomics in order to sustain progress in this relatively new scientific field.

Parasuraman is University Professor of Psychology at George Mason University. He received a B.Sc. (1st Class Honors) in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College, University of London, U.K. and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Aston University, Birmingham, U.K.

His books include The Psychology of Vigilance, Varieties of Attention, The Attentive Brain, and Neuroergonomics: The Brain at Work. Parasuraman is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Psychological Society, and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. He won the Franklin V. Taylor Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Psychological Association.

Videos of Raja Parasuraman can be viewed here.