Adam Anderson

Adam Anderson is Professor of Psychology in Cornell University's College of Human Ecology. His research examines the role of emotions across human faculties, from perceptual processing to moral judgments, integrating psychological and neural levels of analysis. He directs the Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory investigating emotion-cognition interactions across the lifespan.

Research focuses on understanding emotions as functional tools that enhance perception, memory, and decision-making. Key areas include neural coding of affective valence, attentional modulation by emotional states, cross-sensory emotional learning, and lifespan changes in emotional processing. His work employs multimodal neuroimaging (fMRI, ASL), psychophysiology, and behavioral methods.

Recent publications (2023-2025) explore neurobiological mechanisms of attention-emotion interactions, locus coeruleus function across aging, pain recognition algorithms, and clinical applications for photophobia and cognitive decline. Articles consistently demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches bridging cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, and computational methods.

Scientific awards include:

• APA Early Career Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions
• Cognitive Neuroscience Society Young Investigator Award

Research involves collaborations across Cornell's neuroscience community and external partners including military health organizations for trauma-related studies. Laboratory work examines meditation effects, breathing interventions, and personalized therapeutics for neurological conditions.