I have a broad research interest, this is because I enjoy learning new things and acquiring new skills. The nature podcast and the web-based learning platforms udacity, coursera and the big-data university are an effective and engaging source of inspiration, discovery and new trends. I particularly enjoy learning methods from different areas and applying them to other fields. Most of the time I like mixing things together, or look at the same question from different angles. I work mostly with data that has a fine time resolution as electroencephalography (EEG)and eye-trackering. I also try to keep up with the new statistics methods and then applying them across different studies. I use this transfer of knowledge from one subject/area to another to try to find an answer to a different question, sometimes to see if it is possible to mix things together, or to see what happens with a different idea. Sometimes I just do it because I like it and I want to see what happens, especially when it regards data visualization.
During my PhD thesis I investigated the concept of attentional resources using EEG. Attention is considered a limited resource, as evident from research in multitasking. Multitasking, or doing multiple tasks at the same time, is difficult because different tasks must receive attention simultaneously. Tasks that do not receive attention fail. Performing multiple tasks simultaneously is possible either diving or swiftly shifting attention among them. EEG is the neuroimaging technique that can visualize such rapid changes in brain activity. I investigated which mechanisms underpin the management of attentional resources studying (1) individual differences in intelligence, (2) the simultaneous execution of different tasks, and (3) the active processes controlling resource management.
Eye-tracking is fun research, at least for me coming from an EEG background were the data are more complex and multidimensional. I like the simplicity of the concept: looking where people is looking. On the other hand, analysis can easily get very sophisticated. I'm currently looking at individual differences in searching strategies. Because I've a background in attention research I'm asking people to perform a search task. Until now I have not been very successful, but I will pursue my search.
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