Miriam Spering
Research in Dr. Spering's lab focuses on the interaction between vision, cognition and movement. Dr. Spering uses eye movements as a model system to understand human sensorimotor control and cognitive abilities such as decision making or memory. Her methodological approach involves a combination of behavioural techniques such as psychophysics, eye tracking and motion capture, as well as theoretical work and clinical models. Her basic research has many practical applications. For instance, a type of eye movement known as smooth pursuit is used to stabilize gaze on a moving object of interest and critically assists vision. Deficits in the perception of visual motion and the pursuit tracking of moving objects have been described in many conditions like Parkinson’s disease or schizophrenia. These eye movements can be used as sensitive indicators of disease processes. Funded by a PWIAS Wall Solutions grant, her lab is developing technology for eye-movement-aided diagnosis of motion perception deficits. She also collaborates with colleagues at the BC Center for Gambling Research, with clinicians in the Department of Medicine – Neurology, and with the UBC Baseball team. More details on her research and community outreach can be found here: http://visualcognition.ca/spering
