Research at OU’s Behavioral Neuroscience and Performance Center (BNPC) focuses on the optimization of performance in safety-sensitive occupations.
BNPC’s research is fundamentally interdisciplinary and combines the study of individual differences, cognition, arousal/stress, and human factors. The Center brings together researchers from Engineering, Biology, Journalism, Psychology, and Health & Exercise Science with one common purpose. Our team focuses on the study of individual differences in human task performance and resilience. For example, we are interested in the identification of risk factors that enhance or degrade cognitive performance and interventions or training protocols that can help mitigate or eradicate decrements. We also study traits with biological or cognitive/perceptual bases and examine their mediating effects on performance in response to stress. Our teams employ NIRs, EEG, & EKG technologies and also emphasizes the use of computer-based task batteries for neurocognitive performance assessment.
BNPC’s researchers have examined the etiology of performance errors in high-risk occupations, including, but not limited to the following fields: law enforcement, special operations, air traffic control, and the pharmaceutical industry. We have also worked collaboratively in the design and implementation of training protocols to both enhance and optimize performance in fields.
BNPC’s researchers know that advancing our scientific understanding of the role of cognition, physiology, and individual differences in human behavior is challenging and requires the use of well-crafted performance and psychophysiological measures. Therefore, we believe that working at the interface of multiple sub-disciplinary areas holds the promise for innovative advances that only multi- and cross-disciplinary research make possible. If you would like to learn more about our research, please contact Dr. Eugenia Fuenzalida at 405-325-3197 or email fuenzalida@ou.edu.