معرفی
Alexandra Hering is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Developmental Psychology at Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Netherlands. She is actively involved in research on cognitive development across the lifespan, with a focus on prospective memory and goal-directed behavior. Her work integrates behavioral and electrophysiological (EEG) methods and emphasizes ecological validity. She also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Cognition and has held research and teaching positions at the University of Geneva.
- PhD in Psychology, University of Geneva
- Psychology Studies, Technische Universität Dresden
- Research Experience, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto
Her research centers on understanding how goal-directed behavior evolves from childhood to old age, how it is influenced by cognitive functions like working memory and emotional context, and how it can be enhanced through cognitive training. She is particularly interested in prospective memory—remembering to perform future intentions—and its role in everyday functioning, especially in older adults. Using both traditional and innovative methods, including virtual reality (VR), she investigates how cognitive processes support independence in aging. Her work often explores the limitations of executive control in explaining memory lapses in older adults, challenging established assumptions with ecologically valid paradigms.
The recent publications of Alexandra Hering reveal a strong focus on prospective memory, especially in older adults, using diverse methodologies such as online testing, VR environments, and real-world assessments. There is a clear trend toward improving ecological validity in cognitive research, moving beyond lab-based tasks to simulate real-life conditions. Her work spans experimental psychology, gerontology, digital health, and cognitive neuroscience, often involving interdisciplinary collaboration. Emerging themes include the use of technology (web-based tools, VR) for both assessment and intervention, and a critical examination of the role of executive functions in age-related cognitive changes.
Scientific contributions include:
- Associate Editor, Journal of Cognition (2023–2026)
- Contributing author to key publications in Memory, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, and European Journal of Ageing
- Development of VR-based cognitive assessment tools
- Editorial role in a comprehensive volume on intervention gerontology
Alexandra Hering has supervised or collaborated on multiple research projects involving PhD students and international teams, though specific advisees are not listed. Her research is supported by institutional affiliations and collaborative networks across Europe and North America. She is involved in designing cognitive interventions and digital tools aimed at promoting healthy aging and maintaining functional independence. She is part of the Academic Collaborative Center for Digital Health & Mental Wellbeing, indicating engagement with applied digital health research. Her lab or research group likely focuses on cognitive development and aging, utilizing behavioral experiments, EEG, and digital platforms for data collection and intervention.
