Graduate Research Coordinator, School of Psychological Science, UWA

Co-Director, Human Factors and Applied Cognition Laboratory, UWA

As a human factors researcher, my research develops our understanding of how humans interact with technological systems – from simple tools through to complex technology. My ongoing program of research uses basic psychological principles of cognition, attention, and perception to investigate how we interact with a range of technological systems, and to help design systems that are safe, productive, and error-free. In the transportation domain, this includes research which reduces unsafe driving behaviours, such as speeding and driver distraction. I also conduct research aimed at improving automation system design and developing solutions for high degree automated support in air traffic control, defence, and other complex work settings. Overall, I am interested in how best to design technological systems which optimize human operator situation awareness, workload, and performance in a range of contemporary workplace settings where humans interact with technology. I am currently accepting new PhD students.

Planning and Transport Research Centre (2022) Grant for $150,000, Evaluation of Road Safety Treatments. Investigators: Roberts, P., Sun, C., Albrecht, M., Bowden, V., & Fruhen, L.

Defence Science Centre, Defence and Research Teaming (2022) Grant for $32,869, Understanding and assessing diver cognition, perception, and performance in future operating environments. Investigators: Bowden, V., Visser, T., & Thompson, M.

Defence Science Centre, Research Higher Degree Student Grant (2021) Grant for $10,000, Enhancing Human Performance by Predicting the Magnitude and Duration of Post-Distraction Impairments in a Transportation Setting. Investigators: Bowden, V. & Howard, Z.

Defence Science Centre, Research Higher Degree Student Grant (2021) Grant for $15,000, Designing Transparent Automation to Improve How Humans Use Automated Advice. Investigators: Loft, S., Bowden, V. & Tatasciore, M.

Defence Science Centre, Research Higher Degree Student Grant (2020) Grant for $7,500, Automation & Wellbeing. Investigators: Fruhen, L. & Bowden, V.

Department of Defence, Australian Army (2020) Grant for $201,403, Evaluating app-based cognitive capability testing to improve selection and training in the Australian Army. Investigators: Visser, T., Bowden, V., & Loft, S.

Defence Science Technology Group (2020) Grant for $205,172, Hybrid approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of battlefield displays and augmented-reality systems for the dismounted combatant. Investigators: Visser, T., Badcock, D., Bell, J., & Bowden, V.

Neurotrauma Research Program, Perron Institute (2019). Grant for $92,706, Improving the executive decision-making process using non-invasive brain stimulation in older adults: A step towards reducing traffic accidents, Investigators: Fujiyama, H., Tang, A., Loft, S., Tan, J. & Bowden, V.

Neurotrauma Research Program, Harry Perkins Institute (2016). Grant for $68,123, How long are you distracted? An investigation of ongoing impairments arising from driving interruptions, Investigators: Bowden, V., Visser, T., & Loft, S.

Neurotrauma Research Program, Harry Perkins Institute (2015). Grant for $65,510, Reducing speeding by improving driver prospective memory, Investigators: Bowden, V., Visser, T., & Loft, S.

Human Factors (PSYC5542) - Postgraduate Unit Coordinator

Psychology of Training (PSYC5573) - Postgraduate Unit Coordinator

Industrial and Organisational Psychology (PSYC3309) - Undergraduate Lecturing

Perception and Sensory Neuropsychology (PSYC3318) - Undergraduate Lecturing