Akina Umemoto

Program affiliation: Cognition and brain sciences

Research interests

I am in general interested in brain functions and connectivity, in particular, how dopamine-related reward system influences our ability in high-level cognitive functions such as cognitive control, attention, and working memory. I have also started studying hierarchical behaviors in human by expanding the notion of standard reinforcement learning. Humans exhibit tasks (options) at different levels, such that in order to achieve long-term goals (the highest levels, such as winning a Stanley Cup), we have to also attain extended sequences of subgoals (e.g., making it to playoffs), which are comprised of simple, primitive actions (e.g., skating). I use both behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) experiments to test these high-level cognitive functions and behaviors. Furthermore, I work with a group of researchers in the department to investigate the dysfunction of the reward system in children with ADHD, and how they might be different from those with typical development.

Awards

Pacific Century Graduate Scholarship
UVic Graduate Award

Representative publications and presentations

Umemoto, A., Scolari, M., Vogel, E.K. & Awh, E. (2010). Statistical learning induces discrete shifts in the allocation of working memory resources. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance.

Umemoto, A., Drew, T.W., Ester, E.F. & Awh, E. (2010). A bilateral advantage for storage in visual working memory. Cognition.