Michael Barnett-Cowan

Michael Barnett-Cowan is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on multisensory processing, sensorimotor integration, and the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying human perception and balance control. Specializing in neuroscience, he investigates how visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs interact in contexts like virtual reality (VR), aviation, and aging populations. His work addresses cybersickness mitigation, postural stability, and the development of VR-based interventions for older adults and dementia patients. He leads the Multisensory Brain and Cognition Lab and actively contributes to academic administration and graduate education.

Research interests include: multisensory integration, VR applications in health, sensorimotor adaptation, and cognitive aging. Recent studies explore how physical activity and exercise influence multisensory processing in older adults, and how visual threat perception affects postural stability in virtual environments.

Key contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing cybersickness dynamics, exergame design for aging demographics, and the role of sensory reweighting in balance disorders. His interdisciplinary approach integrates neuroscience, engineering, and clinical research to advance understanding of human-environment interactions.