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Cognitive Genetics Program (UMICH-COGENT)

Research Interests

How does cognition change as we get older?  Ever since my undergraduate work, I have been fascinated by that question and by the possibility of using the answers to improve the lives of older adults. 
          Memory is a major concern for older adults, and is at the center of my research program.  However, many of the memory changes that occur with normal aging appear to be downstream effects of changes in attention and cognitive control.  As a result (and because of the interests of my students and collaborators) basic investigations into these topics have taken on increasing importance in my research.

Curriculum Vitae

Mary K. Askren

Ph.D. Candidate
Cognition and Perception Area
Department of Psychology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI  48109

Email: askren@umich.edu

Research Interests

I am interested in how cognition changes across the lifespan.  My current research focuses on changes in attention and cognitive control in aging, specifically in the ability to flexibly shift attention between tasks.  I am also interested in how attention and cognitive control may interact with broader psychological constructs (e.g., working and long-term memory) and in how understanding individual differences in these cognitive processes may lead to improved strategies and technologies for older adults. 

Elise Demeter

Ph.D. Candidate
Neuroscience Program
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI  48109

Email: elisemd@umich.edu

Research Interests

I am interested in the neurobiological mechanisms of attention and in the role of attention for higher cognitive functions. I conduct a set of parallel experiments in rats and humans using a task testing sustained attention. My experiments examine the effects of distraction on attention and investigate the role the neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays in mediating attentional functions.

Kristin Flegal

Ph.D. Precandidate
Cognition and Perception Area
Department of Psychology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI  48109

Email: kflegal@umich.edu

Research Interests

I am interested generally in the cognitive neuropsychology of aging and dementia.  I am currently engaged in research exploring the mechanisms of memory errors and distortions, with an eventual goal of helping identify cognitive strategies to optimize memory accuracy in daily life, especially as a component of successful aging.