The Computational Affective and Social Neuroscience Laboratory (CASNL) investigates the neural and computational mechanisms underlying how goals, beliefs, and emotions influence human cognition. A central question in our research is understanding why people interpret and respond to identical situations in markedly different ways. We probe this question across multiple levels of cognitive processing, from perception and attention, to memory and decision-making, to affective and social reasoning. In our research, we use a combination of convergent tools, including functional brain imaging (e.g., fMRI, fNIRS), behavioral experiments, naturalistic task paradigms, computational cognitive models, natural language processing tools, and machine learning methods. One ultimate goal of this work is to identify behavioral and neural targets of intervention to improve socio-cognitive functioning.

In addition to being part of the Department of Psychology, we are also a member of the Institute of Mind and Biology and the Neuroscience Institute, and an affiliate of the Data Science Institute.