Robertson Lab
Perception, memory, and neurodiversity
Dartmouth College
Our Research
We study the neuroscience of how people see, remember, and neurodiverge. Why? As soon as we open our eyes, we have the immediate impression of a rich, detailed visual environment. Yet, much of this impression is constructed by the viewer, reflecting the seamless interplay of an individual’s memories, knowledge, expectations, and sensory input. Given the constructive nature of perception, it is of no surprise that vision can provide deep insight into individual minds, including individuals whose minds differ from others in systematic ways, such as individuals with autism.
To study these topics, our lab embraces a wide range of experimental and computational techniques. We study complex human behaviors in naturalistic settings (using wearable Virtual Reality and eye-tracking), and ultimately link these behaviors to neurobiological mechanisms using neuroimaging (fMRI, MRS, EEG), pharmacology, and computational approaches.
Our values
We are passionate group of scientists who work together to build knowledge about the human brain and behavior. We value curiosity, kindness, rigorous inquiry, and diverse perspectives in our scientific process.
Our lab embraces diversity as an essential ingredient of our vibrant intellectual environment. We welcome students, postdocs, research assistants, and visiting scholars from all backgrounds -- regardless of race, ethnicity, neurodivergence, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ability status, socioeconomic status, and citizenship/immigration status. We stand actively against racism, sexism, heterosexism, and all forms of structural and systemic discrimination in the academy and society. We actively foster collaborations with neurodiverse individuals to ensure that neurodiverse individuals are co-authors in our scientific process ("nothing about me without me"). We work each day to build a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive working and learning environment for all scientists.
Autism Spectrum Diagnosis?
If you or your child have a diagnosis of Autism, PDD-NOS, or Asperger's Syndrome, please volunteer for our research to help us understand how people with autism see the world.
You will be invited to the Dartmouth campus to participate in a research study. The study may include an assessment, an fMRI brain scan, visual tests on a computer, or cognitive questionnaires. You will receive compensation for your time, reimbursement for your travel, and possibly a picture of your brain! To learn more about how to volunteer, please click below: