Research in the Shape & Space Perception Lab (http://stankiewiczlab.psy.utexas.edu) focuses on understanding the representations and processes mediating human spatial navigation. We investigate these questions by developing theories and models of human spatial navigation. Some of these theories are based on extant theories for robot navigation. In addition to developing models of human spatial navigation we also test the validity of these as explanations of human spatial navigation performance. The lab is equipped with a 30’ x 30’ virtual reality arena with a head-mounted display for immersive studies in spatial navigation. The lab also has a number of desktop computers for running desktop virtual reality studies. A student working in the Shape & Space Perception lab can expect to receive training in: psychophysics; robotics; computational modeling; virtual reality technology and virtual reality programming.

Duties:

Attend weekly lab meetings; run subjects; design studies; read journal articles; analyze data.

Other Information: