Research & In-Progress Publications
Overview
This hub highlights my current research endeavors, ongoing experiments, and manuscripts currently in preparation or under review.
Research Focus
My current research focuses in on three main themes: linking subjective and objective measures of performance, investigating the impact of human abilities on future skill performance, and how this can lead to individualized measures of performance. Previous projects I have been involved with have highlighted the necessary biomechanical tools needed such as Motion Capture, Force Plates, Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), Pressure Soles, and other wearables needed to take these measures inside and outside of the lab. Studying these themes in various contexts allow us to investigate broad and specific applications of performance.
Current Projects
Below are some of the key research projects I am currently leading or collaborating on.
This (in-progress) research review investigates the effectiveness of psychomotor ability testing for predicting success in motor-intensive careers like medicine, dentistry, and aviation. By analyzing twenty-nine studies, specific physical traits—primarily dexterity, coordination, and tracking—correlate with professional performance were explored. Preliminary findings reveal that while simulation-based tools offer the highest predictive strength, results across industries are often inconsistent due to small sample sizes and a narrow focus on dexterity. To improve hiring and training, the research team suggests moving beyond simple hand-eye tests toward behavioral coding and long-term learning data. Ultimately, focusing on the goal of moving towards standardized operational definitions and testing methods will work towards better identification of abilities and develop the next generation of skilled practitioners.
This ongoing project investigates how individual differences in fundamental human abilities can predict success in motor-heavy occupations, using industrial sewing as a representative model task. By evaluating 40 novice sewers through a comprehensive battery of cognitive, perceptual-speed, and psychomotor tests, the research aims to address a “current gap” where existing hiring measures are often too general or statistically “noisy” to be effective. Preliminary results successfully mapped specific traits, such as mental rotation and finger dexterity, to overall performance and individual sub-tasks like matching, threading, and aligning fabric. These tentative findings suggest that by understanding the underlying mechanisms of performance, organizations can move toward targeted interventions and identifying “best fit” roles for candidates based on their natural ability profiles.