Welcome to the TWISTER LAB!
Transforming Workforce by Interconnecting Structures of Training, Education, and Research
Our lab specializes in convergence, multi-modal research. Convergence research means that many approaches from different academic disciplines (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, engineering, education) are applied to a complex problem affecting society today (e.g., mental health, education, workforce training). We believe that solutions to today’s complex problems start by sharing knowledge, ideas, and expertise. We accomplish this goal by using transdisciplinary (when researchers from different disciplines work together to create a new concept, theory, or method), interdisciplinary (when two or more academic disciplines are combined into one activity or execution of a project), or multidisciplinary (when researchers form teams with multiple expertise and they work together to solve a common problem) strategies. Multi-modal research, on the other hand, explores the intersections and dynamics of how people make meaning of their experiences in real-time. This exploration involves a holistic understanding of the multiple layers of realities that a person perceives or receives and often uses convergence research approaches and strategies.
In the TWISTER LAB, we specialize in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce, training, and education by using convergent and multi-modal approaches to transform outcomes within systems and structures. Examples of some of our lab topics include measuring the relationships between cognitive load and emotional stress to demanding tasks and activities (e.g., mid-terms, design projects), intersectionality-informed research designs, sociological approaches to uncovering learning and educational climates (i.e., hidden curriculum), among others. As individuals perform on a given task or activity or shares experiences and insights, our lab collects biological (e.g., salivary cortisol for stress), physiological (e.g., electrodermal activity for emotional arousal), or impressionistic data (e.g., surveys, interviews) in real-time.
We invite you to explore our webpage and contact us with additional questions!
Disclaimer Note:
thetwisterlab.com is the official website for Dr. Idalis Villanueva Alarcón, an associate professor in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) at the University of Florida. All content that is included on this website does not represent the views of the University of Florida, nor the views of any of the organizations or prior academic institutions that I am affiliated with or a member of. Viewers are welcome to use resources and content from my website so long as proper attribution is provided. Please note that I do not have permission to make all of my research publications available. However, I provide links to help you identify the citations for your reference. This website is built using the WordPress content management system to enhance your experience. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to use the contact us page to communicate with me.