Lighting the Path Forward

News Staff| November 13, 2024

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

Three students sitting at a desk

Students Propose Solutions to Commuting Challenges

On the heels of last fall’s efforts to solve commuting challenges, students in spring’s Data 101 course are turning ideas into action.

Researchers working in a lab

BRIIC by BRIIC

A look at the new Biomedical, Research, Innovation, and Imaging Center (BRIIC).

Portraits of Daniel Nasef and Kennette James Basco

Using AI to Detect ECG Abnormalities

Student-led research uses artificial intelligence (AI) models to interpret abnormalities in electrocardiogram (ECG) test results.

Student being hooded by professor

Hooding NYITCOM’s Class of 2025

At ceremonies in Old Westbury, N.Y., and Jonesboro, Ark., the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) ushered in more than 400 new physicians.

Portrait of Jared Littman

Charting a Path to R2 Status

Since joining New York Tech in 2023, Vice Provost for Research Jared Littman, Ph.D., has wasted no time in charting the path to move the university closer to Carnegie-classified Research 2 (R2) status.

Dean Babak Beheshti presents Michael Kohler with his degree

New York Tech’s First Engineering Ph.D. Candidate Graduates

Michael Kohler (M.S. ’22, Ph.D. ’25) earned a Ph.D. in Engineering, marking a pivotal moment for the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences.