Highlighting the Achievements: Dr. Erin Bojanek, PhD, Class of '14, Shines in Postdoctoral Position
Erin Bojanek, an instructor at the Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab at the University of Rochester, is delving into the fascinating world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to understand the intricacies of visual processing in individuals with the condition.
Bojanek's research interest in working with children, particularly those with ASD, was inspired by her mother, a special education teacher. Her journey in cognitive neurophysiology began during her undergraduate training, under the mentorship of Tris Smith, PhD.
In her current study, Bojanek is investigating how autistic kids process and complete visual information. She is using a unique approach, examining how autistic children put incomplete information together to identify a complete picture. This research aims to shed light on the differences in visual perception between individuals with ASD and neurotypical children.
The Schindler Lab employs a combination of neurophysiological measures, behavioural studies, eye-tracking techniques, developmental focus, and intervention studies to explore visual processing in ASD. Bojanek's research is no exception, as she is learning new techniques and asking different questions to further our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying visual processing differences in ASD.
One of the methods Bojanek is using is electroencephalography (EEG), a tool that helps identify differences in brain activity during visual processing. Interestingly, Bojanek had no prior experience with EEG before working in the lab with John Foxe, PhD, and Edward Freedman, PhD.
Bojanek's research also integrates her clinical work, as she is pursuing her clinical psychology license and gaining expertise in autism diagnostic assessments. Her clinical work and research can complement each other, providing a holistic approach to understanding and supporting individuals with ASD.
Laura Silverman, PhD, and Heather Adams, PhD, serve as Bojanek's clinical supervisors, playing a significant role in helping her understand how her clinical skills inform her research. Bojanek's study aims to understand the brain activity of individuals with autism while completing visual tasks, with potential implications for developing interventions to support improved visual perception and social interaction.
Bojanek chose Rochester to work at an academic medical center that is also an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC). This unique setting allows her to conduct cutting-edge research while maintaining a clinical component, ensuring her work remains grounded in practical applications.
As Bojanek continues her research-focused career, she is poised to make significant contributions to our understanding of ASD and the visual processing differences that often accompany the condition. Her work in the Schindler Lab is a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of children with ASD.
- Erin Bojanek's research in the Schindler Lab, focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is not just about understanding visual processing, but also aims to develop interventions for improved visual perception and social interaction.
- Bojanek's journey in health-and-wellness, particularly in the field of mental health and neurological disorders like ASD, was influenced by her mother, a special education teacher, and her undergraduate training in cognitive neurophysiology.
- Education-and-self-development is a significant part of Bojanek's work, as she learns new techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) and collaborates with esteemed scholars like Laura Silverman, PhD, and Heather Adams, PhD.
- Bojanek's research in the realm of science, specifically the field of medical-conditions, is a testament to her lifelong-learning and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder.
