Amishi Jha, Ph.D.
University of Miami

Lab webpage: http://amishi.com/
Health Division
University of California-Davis, 1998
• Research Interests
• Current Research
• Selected Publications

Research Interests
Our program of research is guided by the hypothesis that psychological health, mental wellness, and resilience rely on optimal neural functioning of attention and working memory. Attention and working memory are two core cognitive systems that interact with each other to allow for fluid behavior. Whereas attention allows for selection between relevant and irrelevant information, working memory allows relevant information to be maintained and manipulated over short intervals (from a few to several seconds). In our lab, we use several cognitive neuroscience techniques including behavioral methods, event-related potentials, and functional MRI to investigate these systems in humans. From a basic-research perspective, we investigate how these systems work together to select and de-select information, as well as how they may be dynamically adjusted based on present moment demands. From a translational research perspective, we investigate how core selection processes may be improved with mental training involving mindfulness-based techniques, other forms of meditation/contemplative training, and positive psychological interventions.

Current Research
In one active research project, we are investigating the impact of mindfulness-based training vs. positive psychological training in promoting resilience in pre-deployment soldiers. Our ongoing and future work aims to investigate other high-stress cohorts, such as civilian police and firefighters, teachers, athletes, medical and law students, as well as individuals who may be challenged in their cognitive functioning during normal (healthy) aging.

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