Individual Differences in Mental Imagery & Cognitive Style

Developing a general framework of individual differences in information processing and distinguishing between neurocognitive of visual-object imagery (object visualization) ability and visual-spatial imagery (spatial visualization) ability, important for artistic and scientific performance, respectively.

Flow, Enhanced Cognition & Creativity

Examining the existence and neurocognitive markers of enhanced cognitive states - the mental states in which humans experience a dramatic boost in their visual focused attention - during adrenaline-rush activities (video gaming, escape rooms) and during Vajrayana (Tibetan Tantric Buddhism) meditation styles.

Human-Computer interaction & 3D Spatial Transformations

Designing 3D immersive assessments of visual-spatial abilities using VR technologies, in particular the tools to access egocentric spatial abilities, crucial for spatial navigation, surgery, telerobotics, and aerospace engineering.

about Maria Kozhevnikov

Maria Kozhevnikov's research focuses on examining neural mechanisms of visual imagery as well as in exploring the ways to train visualization abilities. In particular, she examines how individual differences in visualization ability affect more complex activities, such as spatial navigation, learning and problem solving in mathematics, science and art. In addition, she explores ways to train mental imagery skills and design three-dimensional immersive virtual environments that can accommodate individual differences and learning styles.

Maria received her PhD from Technion (Israel) jointly with UC Santa Barbara. Since 2001, she held faculty positions at Rutgers and George Mason Universities. During 2005-2007, she has served as a Program Director for the Science of Learning Centers Program at the US National Science Foundation. Maria's current primary appointment is as an Associate Professor of Psychology at the National University of Singapore. She also holds positions as Visiting Associate Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and as Associate in Neuroscience at Massachusetts General Hospital.