Program Events
TALK ABSTRACT
What is visual mental imagery used for? In this talk, we will explore the various roles that visual mental imagery plays in our daily life, from stereotype formation and perpetuation to learning in educational settings. Understanding how the mind constructs and utilizes images is essential for grasping the broader mechanisms of cognition. After briefly touching upon historical debates on the neural substrates supporting VMI, we will then look into voluntary and involuntary forms of mental imagery and their role in clinical conditions. By investigating the role and significance of visual mental imagery—and the lack thereof in individuals reporting low imagery abilities (i.e., aphantasia)—this presentation aims to enhance our understanding of cognitive processes that can inform clinical practices and interventions for diverse populations.
This talk is part of our annual colloquia series fosters important connections between our program and leading clinicians and researchers in mental health throughout New York City and beyond.
Queer and Allies (Q&A) will be hosting its inaugural Queer Speaker event on Oct 1st 2024, 4:15-5pm bringing in consciousness researcher Dr. Alfredo Spagna to discuss his work and expertise in consciousness to inspire queer psychologists-in-training and educate all on the evolution of consciousness. This event is open to all (Queer and Allied) within the Clinical Psychology Department.
Dr. Alfredo Spagna is a cognitive psychologist who investigates the psychoneurological mechanisms of attention on cognition and consciousness via auditory and visual pathways. Dr. Spagna is currently a lecturer of Psychology as well as Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience and Behavior at Columbia University and has been published in Nature, Brain & Cognition alongside features in Netflix & PBS. For several years, he worked at the Paris Brain Institute at the Hospital Salpêtrière, the discovery site of many psychiatric diseases and conceptualizations. Recent research projects of his have been around imagination and visual mental imagery. He hopes to advance current understanding of biological and behavioral aspects of attention in healthy individuals and clinical populations, giving way to work on new behavioral and pharmacological interventions.
Research Day
The Clinical Psychology Program @ City College hosts an annual Research Day in the fall semester. This day provides a forum for students in residence and faculty to present and discuss their research, to receive critical feedback from peers, and to generate ideas for future study. The day comprises panel discussions, a student poster session, and a key note address from a prominent clinical researcher in the field. Panels are organized around varying research methodologies as well as the intersection of theory, research, and clinical practice. Current and former students of the program present their independent research or theoretical projects, followed by an in depth discussion with the audience. Student research posters are presented during an afternoon poster session. An invited Keynote Speaker presents with an emphasis on bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.
If you wish to attend a research day in the future, please contact our Program's Administrative Assistant for information about the day's schedule and location.
Last Updated: 06/19/2025 12:04