Amishi P. Jha, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology
University of Miami

ajha AT psy.miami.edu

Welcome

Attention and working memory are two important 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 time. In our lab we use behavioral methods, event-related potentials, and functional MRI to investigate attention and working memory. We are particularly interested in understanding how these systems work together to select and de-select information. In addition, we investigate how core selection processes may be modified with training (including mindfulness-based training techniques) and mental mode manipulations (including mood, self-focus, and creativity).

Our lab is within the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami, in Florida.




Upcoming Events

  • Feb 4-5, 2012—UC-San Diego: “From Dazed and Distracted to Attentive and Calm: What the Neuroscience of Mindfulness Reveals”
  • March 16-18, 2012—Mindfulness in Education Network, Bryn Mawr College (PA): Keynote Address: “Improving Attention and Working Memory with Mindfulness Training”
  • March 28-April 1, 2012—Center for Mindfulness Scientific Conference, Norwood, MA: Co-chair, “Embodiment of Mindfulness: Neuroscience and Clinical Perspectives”
  • April 26-29, 2012—International Symposia for Contemplative Studies, Denver, CO: Master Lecture: “Meditation, Attention, and Neuroscience in the Military”
    Panel: “Impact of Mindfulness on Brain Resting State Connectivity”
   

News of Interest

Spring 2012—The Faculty Project

Pituitary Gland

Amishi has been selected for The Faculty Project, which offers free online courses from US Professors recognized for excellence in teaching (read more here). Her course is entitled The Cognitive Neuroscience of Mindfulness. Enroll in the course at: facultyproject.com

Winter 2011—Goldie Hawn visits the Jha Lab

Goldie Hawn and Amishi Jha look at Suzanne Parker, researcher in the Jha Lab, who is wearing an EEG cap researcher Cristina Garcia, Goldie Hawn, researcher Justin Dainer-Best, Amishi Jha, Dean of UM Miller School of Medicine Pascal Goldschmidt, & Psychology Chair Rod Wellens
Left: Amishi overviews EEG recording with Goldie, as Research Assistant Suzanne Parker serves as the participant.
Right: Cristina Garcia, Goldie Hawn, Justin Dainer-Best, Amishi Jha, Dean of UM Miller School of Medicine Pascal Goldschmidt, & Psychology Chair Rod Wellens. Photo Credit Byron Maldonado.

Goldie Hawn recently visited the Jha Lab to discuss research collaborations between our lab and the Hawn Foundation. Amishi is a scientific adviser for the Hawn Foundation, founded by Goldie to help cultivate mindful attention and optimism in children. The meeting focused on the Jha lab’s work on the cognitive neuroscience of mindfulness training and fruitful avenues for future research with the Hawn Foundation. Read more from UM.

Fall 2011—Amishi Briefs Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum

Amishi with Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum

Amishi briefed BG Cornum, director of the US Army’s Comprehensive Fitness Program on the Jha Lab’s ongoing work on the impact of deployment cycle stress on working memory and the effects of Mindfulness Training. Learn more about the Jha Lab’s work in military cohorts here.

Summer 2011—Amishi Gives Joint Lecture with Goldie Hawn

Amishi Jha, Goldie Hawn, Lexie Potamkin, Glenda Greenwald

Goldie Hawn and Amishi with Lexie Potamkin (left) and Glenda Greenwald (right). Photo credit: Cathy Miller.

The Hawn Foundation's MindUp program and the Jha Lab’s research on the cognitive neuroscience of mindfulness were the topics of a joint lecture by Goldie Hawn and Amishi at a private event in Aspen, Colorado. Read more.

New video from PopTech

Watch Amishi’s ‘quick take’ from PopTech on mindfulness training and attention.

Jha lab receives grant to investigate neural effects of mindfulness training

The Jha lab has received a $920K grant to track the structural and functional brain changes that may accompany participation in short-form mindfulness training courses. Continue reading…

4 New Manuscripts from the Jha Lab and Collaborators

Learn more here.

Spring 2011—Amishi Presents at the Aspen Institute

Amishi Jha speaks at the Aspen Institute's Fireside Chat

Click to watch the video.

Amishi, together with Geshe Lobsang Negi, Professor of Religious Studies at Emory University, offered a 3-day workshop on the Science of Meditation to Fellows of the Aspen Institute. They also gave a public “Fireside Chat” which can be viewed here.

Winter 2011—Jha lab receives grant to continue the STRONG Project!


The Jha lab has been awarded a $1.72M grant to continue the STRONG PROJECT over the next 4 years! This project aims to track the impact of pre-deployment resilience training over the deployment cycle. Learn more about the STRONG project here.

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