We are the Mechanisms of Creative Cognition and Attention (MoCCA) Lab, located at the University of Arkansas. The lab is directed by the principle investigator Dr. Darya Zabelina. The research in the lab focuses on understanding creative cognition, imagination, and other related processes, and how these processes are linked with more traditional sub-fields of cognitive psychology, such as attention and executive functions.
We use a variety of approaches, including behavioral, experience sampling, electrophysiological (EEG and ERP), and functional MRI (fMRI) techniques. We also do work on mind-wandering, mindfulness, problem solving, and the influence of technology on creativity and imagination. MoCCA is part of the UA Integrative Systems Neuroscience.
Lab Highlights
- Congratulations Dr. Joshua Upshaw, PhD! Josh was the first graduate student to join MoCCA and successfully defended in May 2025. Josh will continue to grow his medical business, Hidalgo, as CEO. Congrats Josh!!!
- Welcome incoming graduate student Kayleb Starnes! Starting Fall 2025.