Maria Kozhevnikov's research focuses on examining neural mechanisms of visual imagery as well as in exploring the ways to train visualization abilities. In particular, she examines how individual differences in visualization ability affect more complex activities, such as spatial navigation, learning and problem solving in mathematics, science and art. In addition, she explores ways to train mental imagery skills and design three-dimensional immersive virtual environments that can accommodate individual differences and learning styles.
Maria received her PhD from Technion (Israel) jointly with UC Santa Barbara. Since 2001, she held faculty positions at Rutgers and George Mason Universities. During 2005-2007, she has served as a Program Director for the Science of Learning Centers Program at the US National Science Foundation. Maria's current primary appointment is as an Associate Professor of Psychology at the National University of Singapore. She also holds positions as Visiting Associate Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and as Associate in Neuroscience at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Beyond mindfulness: Arousal-driven modulation of attentional control during arousal-based practices.
Our research paper, which was a result of more than 5 years field studies in Eastern Bhutan under the guidance of H.E. Tulku Gyaltsen Rinpoche, was published in Current Research in Neurobiology, and featured by the National University of Singapore.
Accessing the States of Enhanced Cognition in a Gaming Context - the Importance of Arousal
Our research paper on the existence of enhanced cognitive states as a result of gaming was published in Cognitive Sciences. Our new data on this topic will be presented at I/ITSEC-2022 (Orlando, FL) this November.
Maria presents her research on visual imagery abilities and creativity a Psychology department at Sapienza University (See HERE), and is also lecturing on the topics of human-computer interaction at John Cabot University in Rome (Italy) this summer.
Maria talks about the nature of consciousness at Andrew Holecek podcast
Maria talks about the nature of consciousness and the scientific inquiry into post-mindfulness studies. Watch the podcast HERE.
