Alexander O'Brien

Alexander O'Brien is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He specializes in visual and auditory perception, research methods, teaching methods, and memory. His work bridges cognitive psychology with educational practice, particularly in online learning environments.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Iowa State University
• M.S. in Psychology, Iowa State University
• B.S. in Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology, Iowa State University

Research Interests:

Prof. O'Brien’s research focuses on sensory perception mechanisms and their application to pedagogical strategies. Recent work explores how cognitive load theory can optimize course design for online education, and investigates perceptual thresholds in auditory and visual domains. His studies on prosopagnosia (face blindness) contribute to understanding visual recognition deficits.

Professional Contributions:

He has authored/co-authored peer-reviewed articles in Cognition, Brain, Behavior and Perceptual and Motor Skills, and presented at system-wide academic conferences. Active in curriculum development, he coordinates the PSY 100 General Psychology course and teaches advanced research methods.

Service Roles:

• Advisor for UWL Psychology Club
• Faculty Adviser for Psi Chi Honor Society
• Member of Academic Technology Committee
• Member of Hearing Committee

His advising emphasizes mentorship through PSY 308 Research Mentorship and senior seminars.