Jha Amishi

Neuroscientist Amishi Jha studies how to keep the brain’s attention systems in peak shape over high-pressure intervals. In her laboratory at the University of Miami, she uses functional MRI, electrophysiological recordings and behavioral analysis techniques to understand why our attention sometimes fails us, and if it can be trained for greater focus and less distractibility. In 2008, Jha launched the first-ever study to offer mindfulness training tools to active duty military service members as they prepared for deployment. What she has discovered over the past 10 years of research on this topic is that without intervention, soldiers’ attention and working memory are compromised, and their attentional lapses increase. She has found similar patterns in students and athletes, too. The good news is that engaging in mindfulness training to cultivate greater present moment awareness protects against these effects. Her research is continuing to explore how attention can be trained for optimal performance and well-being. She has worked with many groups from military and business leaders, elite athletes and warriors, first responders, students, teachers, physicians, and many other professionals who aim to perform at the highest levels in demanding circumstances.

Speaking topics:

• Brain Fitness and Brain Training
• Neuroscience of Attention
• The Science of Mindfulness
• Resilience
• Optimizing Attention and Performance

Sample Lecture Titles:

• How to Optimize Your Attention for Peak Performance and Well-being
• Building Brain Fitness: Lessons from the New Science of Attention
• Mental Armor: Protecting Your Brain from Stress and Cognitive Aging to Live a Fully Engaged Life
• I Think Therefore I Am… Distracted: Taming Your Wandering Mind
• From Distracted and Dazed to Focused and Flexible: What the New Science of Attention Can Teach Us
• Brain Fitness