University of Victoria

Vision is of fundamental importance in the lives of many animals. We are interested in cellular specializations and physiological mechanisms that determine the ability of animals to detect and process the colour and polarization of light, as well as the ecological functions of such visual capabilities in nature. Our research ranges from identifying cellular mechanisms that control visual pigment protein (opsin) expression in photoreceptors of the vertebrate retina to ecological investigations of ultraviolet and polarization sensitivity in aquatic animals. Please visit the linked website for publications.

My current research is focused on designing and evaluating digital tools for fostering happiness in specific contexts such as knowledge work, and creative activities. I also do research on helping people engage in everyday forms of creativity (such as learning, developing DIY projects, and making decisions) using tangible mediums. Some of our ongoing and past projects include: - Systems that help people reflect on what makes them happy when engaged in computer-based tasks - Interactive systems that incorporate specific interaction techniques for building happiness when engaged in computer-based tasks - Adaptive systems that demonstrate dynamically changing workflows for building happiness when engaged in computer-based tasks - Tools for makers - Studies and tools that address social acceptability of wearables (such as e-textile garments and healthcare wearables) - Data physicalization techniques and tools - Interfaces for communicating information through fabricated products, wearable mechanical limbs, and on-vehicle devices

The Hof group has hosted students from many different scientific and personal backgrounds. If you want to know more about experiences in the group through the lens of any particular identity, you can write to Dr. Hof before deciding about an application so he can try to put you in contact with a current or past student who shares some aspect of your personal identity, your academic background, and/or your cultural background.

University of Victoria undergraduate students intersted in developing their laboratory skills and experiencing the research environment should contact us regarding CHEM 298, 398, 399 and 499 projects (UVic).

Research at the intersection of chemistry and physics, focusing on spectroscopy and nanomaterials.

Our research program seeks to understand variations in marine primary productivity and cycling of nutrient elements in the oceans. The main focus of our research is the ecological physiology of silicon, nitrogen and carbon utilization by unicellular planktonic algae and the sensitivity of the uptake mechanisms to changing environmental conditions. Studies are conducted in the laboratory and on oceanographic cruises to coastal and open ocean waters, utilizing an array of techniques from biology, biochemistry and geochemistry.

Shifts in metabolic balance and nutritional energy trigger responses that collectively change how we grow, reproduce, and maintain our health during aging. In the Templeman lab, the goal of our research program is to better understand how our metabolic health and the food we eat affect the fundamental biological processes of reproduction and aging.

Investigates genome evolution and cell biology using modern molecular and computational approaches.

We are interested in how the central nervous system is formed during embryonic and postnatal development. Much of our research is centred on neuronal differentiation in the developing retina. We also study diseases of the retina and other areas of eye biology.

Please review the lab website for more information on its research.

About the lab: The global redistribution of species is leading to large-scale community change. Gaining a process-based understanding for what factors create species and community resilience with environmental variability is an important research objective for our time. We address this theme by linking physiological thresholds of organisms to the environment they experience, quantifying changes in animal behaviour, the outcome of species interactions, and distribution patterns. Our team applies experimental protocols, complementary laboratory and field approaches, meta-analytic approaches, and modern statistical tools to link spatial and temporal trends in abiotic variables at biologically relevant scales. A pool of water near Hveravellir, Iceland, captured with a FLIR infrared camera. Such tools allow us to visualize the temperature gradient present in a habitat, and how inhabitants like the freshwater snail, Physella acuta, may alter their behaviour to utilize the air/water interface in accordance with physiological tolerance thresholds.

The majority of applicants are accepted in the Fall Season. General information about the lab: Intercultural Communication We study how culture affects communication and social relations, in addition to the way in which people perceive, think about, feel about and interact with people in other groups. Motivation Motivation is the central gear of the MIR Lab. We study what moves people to act and think the way they do in different social and educational contexts. Language Learning We study the psychology of language learning, including why and how people learn different languages and interact with people from other cultures. Immigrants’ Integration We study the psychological processes related to immigration, including negotiating loss and separation from the country of origin, language learning, identity changes, and experiences of discrimination.

Investigates decision-making, judgment, and risk-taking behaviour using experimental and survey methods. Students gain exposure to behavioural data analysis.

We often have openings for undergraduate students to become involved in our lab. Undergraduates can learn about research while earning course credit through taking an Independent Study class. This can be a good opportunity for students who are considering graduate school to see the research process up close and decide if research is something that is of interest to them. Alternatively, students are welcome to volunteer in the lab to learn more about the research process without committing to the rigours of an independent study. We ask volunteers to commit to two semesters minimum in the lab. Students may be involved some or all of the following activities: Data Entry using SPSS, a statistical computer program, for on-going projects Participant recruitment and Data collection (typically with families in the community) Transcription of interviews with research participants Assistance in the creation of knowledge mobilization materials for the community Assistance in creation of materials that will be used in manuscripts and other presentations Literature searches and creation of article summaries related to current projects in the lab Assistance with BRANCH Research social media accounts Opportunities to practice and develop presentation skills

General lab information: Our research in neuroimaging and neuropsychology has a common focus: to develop research-driven approaches that can be implemented clinically to better understand aging and assess neuropsychological conditions. Specifically, we use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, including functional (fMRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DTI), to study the brain-behaviour relationship in patient and healthy populations.

Studies how the brain recognizes faces and objects, with applications to perception, technology, and neurological conditions. Students gain experience with visual cognition experiments and data coding.

Focuses on executive functioning and traumatic brain injury, bridging cognitive psychology and clinical neuroscience. Undergraduates may assist with assessments, data processing, and research organization.

The Cognition and Action Laboratory affords a lively, interactive environment which I co-direct with Professor Michael Masson. Students (including undergraduate honors and graduate students) engage in a variety of research projects on higher level motor cognition. The laboratory has an experienced full-time research co-ordinator (Marnie Jedynak) who assists in the daily management of our collaborative work. In addition, we have facilities that allow real-time tracking of eye movements as well as motion capture technology for assessing the trajectory of the hand in flight. The Department of Psychology's Brain and Cognition Laboratory provides additional space for behavioural testing and is equipped with facilities for recording of event-related potentials in various behavioural paradigms. Graduate students will benefit from the active setting and our well developed infrastructure, and from the opportunities afforded by ongoing interactions with other researchers in North America.