Feature detection and enhancement in peripheral vision
Susana Chung, Professor
Optometry
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Loss of vision in the central visual field brings about dramatic changes to everyday activities (e.g. reading, identifying objects). This research project focuses on identifying how the informative features of objects contribute to overall visual function, with the clinical goal of visual performance improvement by enhancing selected parts of objects. We will use non-invasive psychophysical techniques to study object recognition and test different enhancement and display possibilities with normally sighted subjects or patients.
One phenomenon of particular interest is that of 'crowding', a condition whereby features of flanking items disrupt the recognition of a target item, especially in peripheral vision. We study this percept using letters and letter-like stimuli in an effort to better understand the mechanisms of letter perception. This has practical relevance for reading, as well as theoretical research motivation for uncovering basic principles of object recognition.
Role: The undergraduate research apprentices will assist in setting up the experiments (potentially involving programming), performing subject testing, and some data analysis. The undergraduate research apprentices will be exposed to all aspects of the research process.
Qualifications: Proficiency in computer programming, especially Python, Matlab and/or C++, and knowledge in image processing is highly desirable. We are seeking individuals who enjoy interacting with people, have patience, careful and detail-oriented. This position is ideal for undergraduate students majoring in disciplines such as neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science or bioengineering who are interested in applying their technical skills to medical research.
Please note that we need students to be able to come in the lab for this project, remote is not feasible.
There is no need to email the PI or anyone in the lab before you submit your application. Any information (e.g. resume) that you would like us to consider should be submitted via the URAP portal. If you have any questions about the position, you will have the questions answered if you are selected for interviews. For fairness reasons, we will only consider materials submitted via the URAP portal, and we may not have the time to answer emails.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Related website: http://selab.berkeley.edu/
Biological & Health Sciences Education, Cognition & Psychology