The Human Performance Optimization Laboratory (OptiLab) is an applied cognitive neuroscience lab, led by Dr. Greg Appelbaum that researches brain-based and technology-enabled approaches to accelerate learning and speed recovery. We conduct a wide variety of applied science that uses psychometrics to capture behavior, brain measurements done with EEG and fMRI, and brain stimulation done with TMS and tDCS. We strive to transcend scientific, clinical, and professional domains to investigate useful approaches to optimize learning, improve diagnostics, and create better therapeutics. OptiLab is part of the UCSD Department of Psychiatry, the UCSD Neuroscience Graduate Program, and the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. From our home base in Guava Hall at the University of California, San Diego we enjoy many productive collaborations with groups including the Interventional Psychiatry Program, the Center for the Future of Surgery, the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, and UCSD Athletics. We greatly enjoy non-disciplinary science that adheres to rigorous measurement and data science principles, and we even get to dabble in some pretty cool projects like studying flow states in musicians. Please follow the links for information about our science, our team, or for opportunities to participate in our studies. Also be sure to check out the "Research In Action" page for some cool photos of the team at work.
