Research

Summary:

My research interests center on understanding the relationship between low level brain processes and high level perception. Particularly Top-Down and Bottom-Up Models of perception and integration of both high and low level information across brain regions (Cortical and Cognitive Binding). My approaches to addressing this relationship include traditional experimental approaches and computational modelling. My current research involves focusing on brain imaging. I have been developing research in Event Related Potentials and I am particularly interested in coherence in Electroencephalography (EEG).

Some Current Research Projects…

· Top Down Effects on Face Recognition and Expert Recognition

In Collaboration with Dr Matt Rhodes (Department of Psychology, Colorado State University) we are currently investigating manipulations of facial characteristics in a rapid presentation paradigm and the effects of Top-Down Attentional Bias. We are currently collecting behavioural data, and I plan to transfer our paradigm to an Event Related Potential Study in the near future.

Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mind and Brain (REU 2008).

· Computer Models of Human Visual Perception.

In collaboration with Dr Bruce Draper and Dr Ross Beveridge (Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University) we are currently conducting research investigating the nature of human face and expert recognition. Evaluating computational models of the Primary visual pathway with Behavioural and Event Related Potential data.

Troup, L. J., Pitts, M. A., Draper, B A., & Catellier, E. K., (2007). High Band Pass Filters of Face Images and their Effect on the N170 Event Related Potential. Vision Sciences Society, Sarasota, Florida, May 2007. Journal of Vision, 6(6), 241a, http://journalofvision.org

· Neurophysiological mechanisms for cortical visual processing

At the cortical level my research focus has been investigating neuronal function and mechanisms underlying visual representation in the primary visual pathway and visual processing areas of the brain. Particularly possible neural mechanisms for cortical and perceptual binding in the primary visual pathway and beyond. In collaboration with Dr Michael Pitts (Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego) we have recently been investigating early visual processing in a “sensory gating” paradigm in an Event Related Potential Study.

Troup, L. J., Yadon, C., Pitts, M. A. & Hafer-Zdral, J. (2008) Event Related Potentials and Visual Sensory Gating in a Flash Train Paradigm. Supplement to the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, April 2008.

· Gaming Technology and its application to understanding Human Performance

In Collaboration with Dr Stephen Hayne (Computer Information Systems, Business School, Colorado State University) we are developing a research program using both biophysiological and behavioural measures to investigate human performance using online gaming technology to better understand human performance under stress, particularly evaluating skills such as leadership, collaboration and group dynamics.

· Effects of environmental sound on human performance

Working for Dr Paul Bell (Department of Psychology, Colorado State University) and students in his lab, I have been consulting on a project funded by the National Parks service investigating the effects both natural and mechanical sounds have on people. Using a variety of measures including behavioural, biophysiological and cognitive performance.

Some Research Projects being developed…

· Synaesthesia and Consciousness

Synaesthesia and its relationship to cortical binding theory.

Consciousness and the relationship between low level physiological function and high level perception.

Troup, L. T. (2000). Can Synaesthesia be explained by 40Hz Oscillations? Proceedings of ASSC4, The Fourth Annual Meeting for the Scientific Study of Consciousness, The Unity of Consciousness: Binding, Integration and Dissociation. Bruxelles, June 29 - July 2, 2000. Consciousness and Cognition, Vol. 9, No. 2. Pp S38.

· Magnocellular pathway function and its impact on Epilepsy

Research still under development with collaborators in medical professions, has been focused on how visual stimuli in the peripheral retina might effect processing in the magnocellular pathway in reflexive epilepsy.