Aaron Seitz’s research program aims to understand mechanisms of cognitive processes and to apply this knowledge for public benefit. His academic training is diverse, with a BA in theoretical mathematics, PhD in computational neuroscience, postdoctoral work in systems neuroscience and neuroimaging.
His research has led to new insights regarding the roles of reinforcement, attention, multisensory interactions, and different brain systems in learning, computational approaches to learning, translational neuroscience and perceptual/cognitive enhancement, among others. He utilizes psychophysical, physiological, imaging, pharmacological, genetic, and computational methods to study cognitively diverse populations, ranging from individuals with cognitive deficits (due to disease, injury, or development) to neurotypical individuals, to specialists (e.g., radiologists, athletes).
As Director of the Brain Game Center for Mental Fitness and Well-being, Dr. Seitz uses ambulatory tools (e.g., that run on mobile phones and tablets) to reach larger, more diverse, and traditionally underserved/understudied populations, to understand cognitive diversity (broadly defined) and to create tools to measure function and to personalize training based upon individualized needs.
Publications
In The News
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Research
Is all learning ‘incidental’? Northeastern professor says that we ‘trick’ our brains into learning
When was the last time you sat down and tried to learn something? How did you approach it? Did you make flashcards for hard-to-remember terms and concepts, ask a friend to quiz you on the subject or simply jump into the deep end with a new project? New research from Northeastern University psychology professor Aaron Seitz suggests that […] -
Do ‘brain training’ apps work? Northeastern scientists will test unique interventions for adolescents with ADHD
Search for a “brain training” application on your smartphone or computer and you will get dozens of suggestions. They all claim to improve memory, attention, problem-solving or other cognitive skills via playing games.