Our Team

Amit Yashar

I am a senior lecturer at the University of Haifa. I did my postdoc in the labs of Marisa Carrasco. I received my Ph.D. from Tel-Aviv University, advised by Dominique Lamy. 

I have always been puzzled by the phenomenon of seeing: particularly how the brain integrates fragmented visual information coming from the eyes into coherent objects, a process that is at the core of basic perceptual and cognitive functions such as reading and face recognition. My research lies at the intersection of cognition and perception. I apply behavioral, psychophysical and computational methods to explore how learning and attention can enhance visual perception. my long-term goal as a researcher is to expand our understanding of the links between attention, memory and visual perception, and to translate the findings from this basic research into clinical and neurorehabilitation applications in disorders of vision and attention.  

Dr. Vasili Marshev

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Haifa. I completed my first postdoc at Michigan State University after getting my PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Western Brittany.

What captivates me most in the study of vision is how, from noisy sensations, the brain creates the percept – the whole that is bigger than its parts – and how then this percept defines and guides perceptual inference. With a background in experimental psychology, cognitive science, and vision science, I have studied various aspects of vision using behavioural measures, eye tracking, and fMRI. I appreciate the role of applied mathematics in psychology, particularly in computational modelling and statistical methods.

Dr. Laurina Fazioli

I am a research associate in the School of Developmental Differences in Education and a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Haifa.

I completed my B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Research in Clinical Neurosciences and Neuropsychology at the University Grenoble Alpes, in France. I completed my Ph.D. in 2025 in Hadad’s and Yashar’s lab.

In my Ph.D. research, I investigated perceptual decision-making in autism spectrum disorder using an integrative framework combining behavioral tasks, computational models, and psychophysic tools.

My current research in the lab focuses on the mechanisms underlying atypical perception in autism. Specifically, I investigate whether and how long- and short-term contextual information (i.e., priors) modulate the perceptual abilities of autistic and non-autistic individuals.

Salman Sarkar

I come from West Bengal, an eastern state in India, and am currently a doctoral student at the University of Haifa.

I hold an Integrated MSc in Optometry and Vision Science from the University of Hyderabad.

My doctoral study focuses on perceptual development, specifically investigating the developmental trajectories of various visual functions in neurotypical individuals, particularly in the absence of early visual deprivation. This work contributes to a better understanding of how sensory and neural mechanisms shape vision during criticalnstages of development.

I am interested in investigating learning, multi-sensory integration, and cue combination, focusing on understanding the brain’s capability and flexibility in integrating sensory information at various stages of development—before, during, and after the sensitive period.

Before pursuing my PhD, I worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Optometry at two leading universities in India. During this time, I gained significant teaching and research experience, working closely with students and conducting studies that fueled my passion for vision science and developmental research.

Zenab Na’aran Saleh

I am an educator dedicated to remedial teaching and didactic diagnosis in Arabic language and mathematics.

I obtained my BA degree in learning disabilities from the Open University. Subsequently, I earned a master’s degree in autism and developmental disabilities from the University of Haifa, where I conducted my thesis under the guidance of Prof. Batsheva Hadad.

I am presently a doctoral student in special education, conducting research under the guidance of Dr. Amit Yashar.

My research interests center on visual perception and cognition. Our objective is to investigate differences in visual perception by systematically comparing perceptual tasks between individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical (NT) participants. This comparison employs various methods, including behavioral assessments, psychophysical techniques, biophysiological measurements, eye movement tracking, and pupil size analysis.

Riham Mostafa

I am a licensed physical therapist, having graduated with a B.A. in Physical Therapy from the University of Haifa in 2008. Since 2014, I have been working as a physical therapist in special education classes under the Ministry of Education, where I focus on supporting children with diverse physical and developmental needs. I am currently in my second year of an M.A. program in the Department of Special Education at the University of Haifa, specializing in mental and behavioral disorders.

I have a strong interest in topics related to attention, particularly the differences between typically developing individuals and those with autism. Additionally, I would like to explore the relationship between attention and emotion, as well as sensory perception and regulation.

For my thesis research, I am collaborating with Dr. Amit Yashar in his lab, contributing to a project led by Zineb naaran. My thesis investigates the phenomenon of crowding in individuals with autism, focusing on how it influences their perception and interaction with the environment. their visual perception differs from that of typically developing individuals. This research closely aligns with my professional experience and my interest in understanding sensory and cognitive processes in neurodivergent populations.

Wazal Kabiya

I hold a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Haifa, with a specialization in acting and directing. I also work as a puppet theatre instructor, where I combine creativity, expression, and educational practice. This year, I am also completing my teaching certificate at the University of Haifa.

I am currently completing my first year of an M.A. program in Special Education at the University of Haifa, specializing in autism and developmental disabilities. Recently, I joined Dr. Amit Yashar’s lab, where I plan to conduct my thesis research on the phenomenon of crowding.

I have a strong interest in cognition and perception, particularly in the way visual information is received through the eyes and processed within the brain. I am especially curious about how the brain organizes and interprets visual input, and how these processes may differ among individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

My academic background in theatre, together with my current studies in special education and teacher training, allows me to approach research from a unique perspective that combines creativity, human expression, sensory experience, educational practice, and cognitive processes. Through my thesis, I hope to deepen my understanding of visual perception and contribute to research that may have meaningful implications for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences.

Adan Ghadeer

I am currently pursuing a double major in Cognitive Science and Biology at the University of Haifa. As part of my academic education, I work as an undergraduate research assistant, supporting ongoing research projects related to visual attention and perceptual processes.

In my role, I contribute to the lab’s research efforts by assisting team members with data collection, which includes participant recruitment and conducting behavioral experiments.

Working closely with graduate students and faculty provides me with experience in research techniques, statistical analysis, and working in a collaborative research environment.

Michal Lavi

I am a final-year undergraduate student in Psychology and Education at the Open University of Israel, specializing in Learning Disabilities. My academic and professional journey is driven by a deep interest in the cognitive mechanisms underlying ADHD, ASD, and learning disabilities, and in how these manifest in daily life.

I bring extensive practical experience as an educator. I have developed and delivered lectures for parents and educators on the lived experience of ADHD, and I previously founded a private practice focused on tailored educational interventions.

As part of my academic training, I serve as a research assistant in Yashar’s lab, where I support research on the effects of prior knowledge on perceptual processes. In this role, I assist with data collection, including participant recruitment, running experiments, and data processing.

This research experience broadens my perspective by allowing me to explore the cognitive mechanisms that underlie learning and perception. Working closely with graduate students and faculty has also deepened my understanding of research methods and statistical analysis, helping me bridge my practical background in education with empirical scientific inquiry in a collaborative environment.