Lighting the Path Forward
Assistant Professor Robert Alexander, Ph.D., is working with more than 20 undergraduate and graduate students on research projects that explore the connection between eye movement and perception, providing challenging experiences and empowering New York Tech students to light the path forward for themselves and others.

Assistant Professor Robert Alexander with students working in his lab. PHOTO: BOB HANDELMAN
Moving constantly, even when we don’t realize it, our eyes gather visual information, helping us process the world around us. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. But no two people view or describe even black-and-white images in the same way.
Can we objectively measure how individuals perceive their environment? What insights are waiting to be discovered? Research teams at New York Tech are examining eye movement, searching for clues.
Alexander, an assistant professor of psychology and a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in vision research, joined New York Tech in 2023. His interest in psychology blossomed during his undergraduate studies. During his senior year
at Long Island University, Alexander discovered a passion for research and began pursuing a research career.
He later learned to use eye tracking to understand human psychology and behavior and has continued to use this approach. “I’ve been fascinated by the idea that through research we can precisely and accurately understand human psychology and behavior. With enough carefully measured outputs, we can plot and predict how a human will respond to an input,” he explains.
This article originally appeared in the fall 2024/winter 2025 issue of New York Institute of Technology Magazine.
By Denice Rackley
I’ve been fascinated by the idea that through research we can precisely and accurately understand human psychology and behavior. With enough carefully measured outputs, we can plot and predict how a human will respond to an input
Robert Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology
More News

My Co-op Gig: Chandler Nauta
Computer science student Chandler Nauta’s initial struggle to acclimate in his co-op experience at Northwell Health set him up for great success.

New York Tech Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
The university will host a series of events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Intern Insight: Shreya Patel
Graduate student Shreya Patel interned for two months at Fund for the City of New York, where she practiced skills at the crossroads of technology and public service.

Starting Off on the Right Foot
Nicole Sheehan, director of undergraduate academic advising, shares valuable tips and resources to help first-year students transition to college smoothly.

Psychology Alumni Present Research in Cyprus
Over the summer, recent psychology alumni Josey Spiers (B.S. ’25) and Amy Patel (B.S. ’25) presented their work at the European Congress of Psychology in Paphos, Cyprus.

Buckling Down on Baby Safety
September is Baby Safety Month, and NYITCOM-Arkansas pediatrician Adam Hurst, M.D., shares vital information to help parents make one of their most important purchases: the car seat.