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Control of Attention in Life and Mind

CALM LAB

UNC Wilmington

The CALM Lab studies how the ability to control attention influences cognition, supports performance, and promotes well-being. We examine why people differ in this ability, the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support it, and whether contemplative practices can strengthen it.

Research

Our research in the CALM Lab is organized around three interconnected areas that together aim to understand the role of attention across contexts of life and mind.

Individual Differences

People differ in their ability to pay attention, and those differences are a fundamental aspect of human cognition. We study how well individuals can control their attention and how this ability influences their perception, memory, reasoning, and well-being.

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Neural Mechanisms

A key focus of our research in this area is how the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system acts as a central hub for regulating attention and arousal, and how this system interacts with other brain networks to support the control of attention.

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Mindfulness

Contemplative traditions across the world have long emphasized the importance of attention in shaping the mind. We study how mindfulness-related practices can enhance our ability to pay attention, and that how that, in turn, can improve our well-being and quality of life.

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Latest Publications

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Lab News

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Team

Meet the researchers and students working in the CALM Lab.

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Contact

Interested in collaborating, joining the lab, or connecting with us?

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