Biosketch

For more than fifty years Michael Posner has studied how mental operations, particularly those related to attention, are carried out by neural networks. He has used cognitive, imaging and genetic methods. In 1998 he was founding director of the Sackler Institute at Weill Medical College. He continues research as Prof. Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Oregon and Adjunct Prof. at Weill Medical College. He has received many honors including election to NAS 1981, in 2009 the medal of science by President Obama and in 2017 he was awarded the Franklin medal in Computer and Cognitive Science.

Research Interests

Posner's current research involves both human and mouse studies designed to understand changes in white matter that occur with various forms of practice. Currently he is examining the brain pathways connecting attention and memory during skill learning.

Membership Type

Member

Election Year

1981

Primary Section

Section 52: Psychological and Cognitive Sciences

Secondary Section

Section 28: Systems Neuroscience