Informal Q&A Session: Discussion with Dr. Lars A. Ross
In the realm of neuroscience, Lars A. Ross is making strides in understanding how our senses work together to shape our perception, cognition, and behaviour. His research, as featured in the NeURoscience Newsletter Volume 18, focuses on the intricate process of multisensory integration in the brain.
Ross's work delves into the question of how information from different sensory modalities is integrated within the brain, a topic that has long puzzled scientists. His research also explores how these brain functions develop throughout childhood and into adulthood, with a particular focus on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Ross's academic journey began at The City College of New York, where he completed his PhD in cognitive neuroscience. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued postdoctoral research at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania. Today, he is a research assistant professor of Imaging Sciences and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where his work is split between these two departments.
Ross's research methods are diverse, incorporating psychophysics, electroencephalography, and transcranial direct current stimulation. In recent years, his work has primarily focused on conducting behavioural experiments and neuroimaging.
One aspect of Ross's research that sets it apart is its practical application. For instance, he joined the University of Rochester Medical Center to work on perfusion post processing, a novel technique used for diagnosing brain tumors in the Imaging Sciences Department.
Inspiration for Ross's work comes from unexpected sources. He often finds wisdom in the words of artist Andy Warhol. One quote that resonates with him is, "I don't know how I made it through all the years before I learned how to do that trick. It took a long time for me to learn it, but once you do, you never forget." This advice, Ross finds, is difficult yet valuable.
Another Warhol quote that inspires Ross is, "Sometimes people let the same problem make them miserable for years when they could just say, 'So what?'" This piece of advice, Ross finds, encourages a more resilient and adaptive approach to scientific challenges.
However, Ross acknowledges that implementing this advice can be challenging. As he notes, "I just wish it was easier to follow." Despite the challenges, Ross remains committed to his research, continually striving to unravel the mysteries of multisensory integration and its impact on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Ross's work in neuroscience not only sheds light on the intricate process of multisensory integration but also extends to health-and-wellness, as he applies his research to develop a novel technique for diagnosing brain tumors. His research, guided by the wisdom of artist Andy Warhol, aims to foster resilience and adaptability in the face of scientific challenges, while his commitment to understanding multisensory integration and its effects on neurodevelopmental disorders like autism lies at the heart of science and health-and-wellness research.
