Attention and working memory are two important cognitive systems that interact with each other to allow for fluid behavior. Whereas attention allows for selection between relevant and irrelevant information, working memory allows relevant information to be maintained and manipulated over time. In our lab we use behavioral methods, event-related potentials, and functional MRI to investigate attention and working memory. We are particularly interested in understanding how these systems work together to select and de-select information. In addition, we investigate how core selection processes may be modified with training (including mindfulness-based training techniques) and mental mode manipulations (including mood, self-focus, and creativity).
Our lab is within the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami, in Florida.
- June 24-30, 2013—Mindfulness Week, Mindhouse Park, Tallberg, Sweden.
- May 13, 2013—NY Academy of Sciences and Scientific American Mind Meeting, New York, NY. Speaker: “Social and Emotional Learning: Preparing Our Children to Excel”
- May 3-5, 2013—Learning & the Brain “Executive Skills for School” Conference, Arlington, VA.
- April 17-21, 2013—Center for Mindfulness Scientific Conference, Norwood, MA.
- April 16, 2013—Brown University Contemplative Studies Initiative, Providence, RI.
- February 6, 2013—NY Academy of Sciences and Nour Foundation Meeting, New York, NY. Speaker: “Becoming Conscious: Uncovering the Science of Mindfulness”
- January 23-27, 2013—IdeasLab Presentation, World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland.
- November 9, 2012—34th Annual Conference of the National Association of Women Judges, Miami, FL.
- October 26, 2012—Superintendents Forum – 100 Public School Superintendents from 30 states, San Francisco, CA. Keynote Address: “Neuroscience and Technology”
- April 26-29, 2012—International Symposia for Contemplative Studies, Denver, CO. Master Lecture: “Meditation, Attention, and Neuroscience in the Military”
Panel: “Impact of Mindfulness on Brain Resting State Connectivity”
- March 28-April 1, 2012—Center for Mindfulness Scientific Conference, Norwood, MA. Co-chair, “Embodiment of Mindfulness: Neuroscience and Clinical Perspectives”
- March 16-18, 2012—Mindfulness in Education Network, Bryn Mawr College, PA. Keynote Address: “Improving Attention and Working Memory with Mindfulness Training” (see video)
- Feb 4-5, 2012—UC-San Diego. “From Dazed and Distracted to Attentive and Calm: What the Neuroscience of Mindfulness Reveals” (see video clip)
Right: Cristina Garcia, Goldie Hawn, Justin Dainer-Best, Amishi Jha, Dean of UM Miller School of Medicine Pascal Goldschmidt, & Psychology Chair Rod Wellens. Photo Credit Byron Maldonado.
Goldie Hawn recently visited the Jha Lab to discuss research collaborations between our lab and the Hawn Foundation. Amishi is a scientific adviser for the Hawn Foundation, founded by Goldie to help cultivate mindful attention and optimism in children. The meeting focused on the Jha lab’s work on the cognitive neuroscience of mindfulness training and fruitful avenues for future research with the Hawn Foundation. Read more from UM.