Mind-Wandering as a Natural Kind: A Family-Resemblances View.

My research is rooted in the exploration and understanding of the intricate tapestry of human consciousness. I am particularly fascinated by its myriad manifestations and the potential for our various conscious states to be harnessed as tools for individual and collective development.

My investigations are organized around four main pillars: creativity, mind wandering, dreaming, and the use of psychedelics. Each of these areas offers a unique lens through which to examine the depth and breadth of human consciousness, providing rich insights into our most elusive cognitive processes.

In the realm of creativity, my investigations delve into the mechanisms of innovative thought, seeking to understand how we can stimulate and cultivate this capacity to bolster productivity, refine problem-solving abilities, and spark novel insights. I’m interested in the conditions and cognitive processes that foster creative breakthroughs, with the goal of mapping the landscape of our creative consciousness.

In the arena of mind wandering, I explore the subtle interplay between directed thought and spontaneous cognition to shed light on the complexities and potential benefits of our minds' natural propensity to wander, and I examine methods with which we might reap the benefits of our untethered minds.

Dreaming is another, related, dimension of consciousness that I explore, with research that aims to unravel the cognitive underpinnings of our dream states. By seeking to understand the psychological correlates of dreaming, I aim to uncover how these unique conscious states may serve as catalysts for creativity and problem-solving.

Finally, my research delves into the potentially transformative properties of psychedelics. In this line of work, I aim to dissect the nature of psychedelic-induced states of consciousness to shed light on their implications for cognitive flexibility, creativity, and therapeutic outcomes. My research in this area focuses on deciphering the possible routes by which these substances may broaden our perception and augment our cognitive and creative faculties.

The ultimate goal of my program of research is to reveal the potential hidden within our diverse conscious states so that we can develop methods by which people can enhance their creativity, productivity, and problem-solving abilities. As we advance in our understanding of these states, we find ourselves better equipped to cultivate them in ways that might profoundly enrich our lives. This quest for understanding underscores my commitment to an integrative and humanistic approach to psychology, grounded in rigorous scientific investigation.