Faculty Research Labs

The Brain and Cognition Lab

The Brain and Cognition Lab explores a range of topics that link biological and psychological factors, with a strong focus on understanding how the brain supports cognitive functions. Current research is dedicated to examining advanced cognitive abilities, such as attention, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and nonverbal/visual reasoning, primarily in college student populations. The lab employs a combination of behavioral techniques and physiological measurements, including electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity and cardiovascular tests to assess stress levels and mental workload.

Location: University Hall 3321

Director: Dr. Michael Foy

Classroom Teaching & Student Learning

Qualitative-quantitative approaches to measure and study classroom teaching, specifically through the use of lesson videos; individual difference variables that affect how teachers and students approach educational opportunities; effects of learning/teaching interventions on student outcomes.

Location: University Hall 3411

Director: Dr. Vandana Thadani

Close Relationships & Health

Close relationships and health; the self and perceptions of close relationship events; interventions to buffer people from harm from negative relationship events; experimental studies conducted in the lab involving collection of questionnaire data, video-recordings of behavioral responses, and measurement of various physiological responses (blood pressure and EKG); coding of data and data analysis; weekly training meetings with research assistants.

Location: University Hall 3401 & 3401a

Director: Dr. Maire Ford

Consciousness & Cognition

Our group conducts research in cognitive science with a primary focus on how conscious and unconscious information-processing systems in the brain work together to comprehend written language. We also have ongoing projects that address

• Human-AI interaction, and implicit and explicit biases in human-AI interaction 
• New research methodologies that incorporate AI 
• Sleep and its role in organizing and reconfiguring language-oriented memory 
• Bilingual conscious and unconscious language processing 

Location: University Hall 4752

Director: Dr. Richard Abrams

Cognition & Human Performance

The central focus of the CHP Lab is the assessment of human cognition. Various aspects of cognition have been examined over the years, including attention, multi-tasking ability, short-term/working memory, long-term memory, some basic language skills, problem solving, workload (including mental workload), fine motor skills, and other abilities. Primary tools of assessment include standardized paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests, questionnaires requiring self-report answers, and more experimental computerized tests based on the traditions and methods of cognitive psychology/cognitive neuroscience and human factors research. Research with colleagues outside of LMU include clinical populations such as adults living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and traumatic brain injury patients. Student researchers are a big part of the CHP Lab. They are regularly involved with the cognitive assessment of participants from the Psychology Participant Pool (and sometimes other sources) and receive training on testing, scoring, data entry, and hypothesis testing. Many are involved with research presentations and travel to professional conferences. Here is a sample of presentations:

• Armstrong, K., Boyce, E., Bos, R. R., Van Den Thillart, H., Jurkowski, C., Moore, D. J., & Hardy, D. J. (2025, May). Predictors of cognitive status in college students using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Health Survey. Poster presented at the 33rd Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science, Washington, D.C., USA.
• Armstrong, K. D., Boyce, E., Bos, R., Van Den Thillart, H. C., Rowe, J., Jurkowski, C., Wright, I., Khalil, N., Griot, A., Moore, D. J., & Hardy, D. J. (2025, February). Self-reported workload on the NASA-TLX during the Trail Making Test is associated with recency of acute phase of COVID-19. Poster presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
• Van Den Thillart, H., Armstrong, K., Bos, R. R., Shlossman, A., Valencia, E., Chhina, I., Symonds, D., Dionisio, A., Griot, A., Moore, D. J., & Hardy, D. J. (2024, May). Interactions between totals of the PHQ-9 and the Facial Expression Recognition Test. Poster presented at the 32nd Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science, San Francisco, California.
• Hatch, O. J., Agbaroji, H. A., Valencia, E., & Hardy, D. J. (2022, October). Drinking behavior and impulsivity in college students. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, Denver, Colorado.
• Fernandez, A. L., Hardy, D. J., Folmer, M., Schell, M. K., Bailone, J., Pruyser, A., Zakarian, F., & Romero, J. (2020, February). Performance of Argentinian and American samples on the Multicultural Neuropsychological Scale. Poster presented at the 48^th Annual International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, Denver, CO.
• Hardy, D. J., Pruyser, A., Romero, J., Zakarian, F., Sepulveda, L., Rose, Y., Morgan, R., & Fernandez, A. L. (2020, November). Assessing workload with the NASA-TLX in an N-back task. Poster presented to the 61st Annual Meeting of the Psychonomic Society, Austin, Texas.
• Hardy, D. J., Harr, E. L., & Lee, D. (2018, April). Greater anxiety in autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) versus non-ASMR individuals. Paper presented at the 98th Annual Convention of the Western Psychological Association, Portland, Oregon.
• Kreisel, C. J., Stark, P. Z., Barrett, M. K., Wright, M. J., & Hardy, D. J. (2016, April). Workload assessment using the NASA-TLX on the tower of Hanoi. Paper presented at the 96th Annual Convention of the Western Psychological Association, Long Beach, California.
• Hoy, J. E., Spielberg, B. L., Stark, P. Z., Sguigna, T. W., Smith, K. S., Wright, M. J., & Hardy, D. J. (2015, April). Tower of Hanoi and the limitations of practice effects. Poster presented at the 95th Annual Convention of the Western Psychological Association, Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Sampana, J., Spielberg, B., & Hardy, D. J. (2014, March). The USAF Multi-Attribute Task Battery. Poster presented at the Ninth Annual Regional Human Factors Conference at the California State University, Long Beach.
• Scott, T. M., Cottingham, M. E., Flott, K. M., Wright, M. J., & Hardy, D. J. (2011, May). Language proficiency and verbal memory differences in Hispanic college students. Poster presented at the 91st Annual Convention of the Western Psychological Association, Los Angeles, California.
• Mitrovich, A. K., Johnson, S. Y., & Hardy, D. J. (2008, May). Superior tracking and time-sharing ability in USAF ROTC cadets. Poster presented at the 88th Annual Convention of the Western Psychological Association, Irvine, California.

Location: University Hall 3413

Director: Dr. David Hardy

Exercise & Cognitive Performance

Research on the impact of aerobic exercise on cognitive functions, including memory, auditory perception, and language. This involves data collection, developing cognitive tasks, monitoring participants on a stationary bicycle, data analysis, and literature review. We also explore the neural bases of these functions using functional MRI.

Location: University Hall 4754

Director: Dr. Kayoko Okada

Heads Up!

Early-intervention and prevention-oriented research to better understand normative antecedents of alcohol and other drug use in high-risk populations & digitally intervene to reduce risks among young adults, college students, and sexual minorities.

Location: University Hall, 4711, 3787 & 3415

Director: Dr. Joseph LaBrie

Website: https://www.headsuplabs.com/

Human Factors & Design Psychology Laboratory

Broadly speaking, the Human Factors & Design Psychology Laboratory seeks to understand how novel technology and user interfaces can be safely and efficiently introduced in operational environments in such a way that considers human capabilities and limitations. Our research takes a human-centered design approach, ensuring that users' capabilities and limitations are incorporated into technological design considerations.

We also explore how game engines and game design principles can be leveraged to create virtual environments that can be used to mimic high-risk and high-cost environments, with the goal of creating testbeds where human behavior related to the introduction of new technology (automation, robots, augmented reality, etc.) can be assessed in greater detail and with higher ecological validity.

Location: University Hall 4727

Director: Dr. Kenneth Jackson

Intergroup Relations

Stereotyping and prejudice; stereotype threat and health; lab does data collection of survey data, data entry, and analysis, literature retrieval, training of and meetings with research assistants, social-psychological lab experiments with carefully crafted manipulations.

Director: Dr. Adam W. Fingerhut

LMU Peer Relations

Perceptions and experiences of diverse children and adolescents as well as adults. Using multiple methods – surveys, experiments, and interviews –conducted in the field, laboratory, and community.  Research assistant tasks may include: 1) visiting elementary/middle/high school classrooms to recruit participants and administer the survey; 2) preparing materials for student recruitment and data collection; 3) entering and managing data; 4) library research; and 5) attending weekly lab meetings.

Location: University Hall 4715

Director: Dr. Negin Ghavami

Neuropsychology Across Cultures Lab

The Neuropsychology Across Cultures Lab is dedicated to advancing the understanding of how cultural factors influence brain function and cognitive processes. Our research aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience and cultural studies, providing insights into the diverse ways in which human cognition is shaped by cultural contexts.

Among our goals is the development of cross-cultural tests that accurately measure cognitive functions across diverse populations. These tests are designed to minimize cultural biases and provide a more equitable assessment of neuropsychological abilities. By creating culturally sensitive tools, we aim to enhance the accuracy and reliability of cognitive evaluations worldwide.

Location: UH 3743

Director: Dr. Alberto Luis Fernandez

PARC

Community-based participatory research and program evaluation research using mixed methods. Several projects currently in progress: Centers for Disease Control project investigating the effectiveness of a 3-part strategy to impact community safety and health; CA State Dept of Public Health 35 site project to investigate the effects of community-defined evidence-practice to reduce mental health disparities; data analysis and preparation of publications on the completed national 22 site childhood obesity in communities of color project; 18-month Communities Creating Healthy Environments national multisite phase 4 grant with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; completion of data analysis on national network analysis and evaluation of a multi-organization project focused on collaboration across 30+ organizations involved in social justice campaigns in communities of color; and evaluation of examination of environmental and community-based strategy to provide the homeless with access to toilets, showers, laundry facilities and referrals in skid row. In addition to 2 postdocs, 4 full-time research assistants, and 3 senior researchers, we have 14 undergraduate research assistants that are employed during the year at the lab.

Location: University Hall 4725, 4726 & 4728

Director: Dr. Cheryl Grills (cheryl.grills@lmu.edu)

Psychosocial Risk & Resilience In Stress & Medicine (PRRISM) Research Lab

The PRRISM Research Lab focuses on a central theme of understanding how to reduce stress, stigma, and social adversity and improve health and well-being. Dr. Williamson and other members of the PRRISM lab study how some psychological and social factors can increase risk for poor health outcomes, whereas others can promote resilience in the face of stressors, including chronic medical diseases such as cancer.

Active lines of research include: 1) understanding and reducing the stigma experienced by adults with lung cancer; 2) characterizing and improving lung cancer screening uptake; 3) testing the experimental effects of self-compassion and mindfulness on outcomes such as distress, shame, and social disconnection; 4) clarifying the biobehavioral pathways through which stress and stigma confer risk for negative mental and physical health outcomes; and 5) using large-scale secondary datasets (e.g., HINTS) to investigate cancer-related beliefs and engagement in preventive care, with an emphasis on identifying social drivers of health and healthcare engagement disparities among minoritized groups.

Location: UH 4752

Director: Dr. Timothy J. Williamson

Social Interaction

Dr. Nora Murphy is a social psychologist who studies nonverbal behavior and communication in social interactions. Research in her Social Interaction Lab focuses on behavioral measurement, person perception and first impressions. Much of the research involves the use of “thin-slices,” which are brief video clips of social interactions, to investigate how emotions, personality, and nonverbal behavior shape social outcomes. Generally, there are 2-4 research assistants in a given semester with a mixture of work-study students, volunteers, and research assistantships for credit. Students must have successfully completed PSYC 2002 Research Methods (B+ or above) to work in the lab; hiring is usually conducted in the semester before work begins. Interested students may email Dr. Murphy at nora.murphy@lmu.edu.

Director: Dr. Nora Murphy

The Sturm Lab 

The Sturm Lab mission is to promote equity and access for neurodivergent youth and adults across contexts of life including school, the workplace, and health care. 

The Sturm Lab focuses specifically on the experiences of neurodivergent women, and how women uniquely experience barriers across life contexts. These goals are accomplished through (1) research to advance the tools we use to measure neurodivergent traits, (2) inquiry into life experiences, and (3) evaluation and creation of interventions for the individual and to support access. 

Collaboration is critical to our research program. We collaborate with researchers across the U.S. from many different fields including autism research, pain research, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and reproductive endocrinology. The lab is advised by a group of neurodivergent individuals who are similarly committed to our shared mission. The lab is also supported by an amazing team of undergraduate students. 

Location: UH 3413

Director: Dr. Alexandra Sturm

Website: http://sturmlab.lmu.build/