Welcome

Image of VPC Lab

              The VPC lab is directed by Dr. Rui Ni, with three graduate students, Bobby Nguyen, Mikki Phan, and Jennifer Teves, and one volunteer research assistant, Joel Persinger. Our research involves multiple projects concerned with the visual perception of depth and shape in stereopsis, distance perception of 3-D object in the real world, driving performance and visual information processing, and age-related differences in perception and cognition. We are particularly interested in improving older individuals’ visual performance through training (e.g. perceptual learning). The goal of our research is to understand the mechanisms underlying visual perception and cognition and to extend this research into applied areas such as driving, especially for the aged population.

Our current projects include research on:

  • Depth perception in stereopsis
  • Steering control in low visibility driving scenes
  • Collision detection in low visibility driving scenes
  • Perceptual learning on contrast sensitivity
  • Perceptual learning and older adults

If you would like more information about this lab, please see the contact page.

Research Opportunities

              Currently, the Visual Perception & Cognition (VPC) Lab is looking for enthusiastic and hard-working research assistants to help run several of its lab experiments. Students who have already taken PSY 311: Research Methods or those who will take it next semester will be given a higher preference over those who didn’t meet the specification. If you’re interest in volunteering for this research opportunity, please contact Dr. Rui Ni, Ph.D., VPC Lab Director, for more information.