Raz
1 media/amir-raz_thumb.jpeg 2020-09-22T18:51:32+00:00 Center for UG Excellence 929059fe9a8db94662876b11cdef6e83b70e4c81 34 1 plain 2020-09-22T18:51:32+00:00 Center for UG Excellence 929059fe9a8db94662876b11cdef6e83b70e4c81This page is referenced by:
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Dr. Amir Raz
10
Crean
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2020-10-16T19:58:46+00:00
Email: raz@chapman.edu
Website: braininstitute.us
College: Crean College of Science and Technology
Department: Psychology
Overview of scholarly research/creative activity: The Brain Institute (BI) focuses on interdisciplinary brain and behavioral sciences and draws on multiple areas of study including psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, sociology, and cognitive science. Our research combines state-of-the-art technology and experimental design to probe constructs such as free will, consciousness
Specific projects working on: The BI leads multiple projects spanning diverse topics, from sensory deprivation to sleep and psychedelics. For example, our equipment includes: EEG (i.e., electrodes placed on the head that allow us to eavesdrop to electrical brain activity); eye gaze and pupil measurement devices (non-invasive metrics that can tell us how alert, emotional, and invested you are in specific visual stimuli); TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation whereby we can temporarily excite or depress focal brain areas); Virtual Reality systems (i.e., constructing alternative worlds and realistic experiences via computer digitization); and perceptual illusions. We developed a Driving Simulator where we can test, for example, the effects of sleep deprivation and psychedelic drugs on performance operating an automobile, and we probe the human mind by creating experiences that draw on our unique expertise with innovative experiments using FloatPod (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy) technology—we are one of the only research institutes in the world to have a floatation chamber where we study consciousness, how to reduce anxiety, stress and insomnia, and bolster relaxation, creativity, and health--magic, and questions about free will. Finally, we are leading a number of projects involving hypnosis and the effects of hypnotic suggestions on behavior, physiology, and brain function. The BI has two centers: one in Orange and one in Irvine (Rinker Campus). We invite students to visit and participate
Number of students looking to work with: 3-4
When students are needed: Spring 2021
