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At the burgeoning campus of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, it is not uncommon to see hundreds, if not thousands, of faces each day. Friendly faces, frigid faces, recognizable faces and unfamiliar faces. Of the variety of faces observed each day, how many can be recalled? And, why? Why are some faces more memorable than others?
These are the questions Assistant Professor of psychology, Dawn Weatherford, Ph.D., seeks to answer through research. Dr. Weatherford is a cognitive psychologist with nearly a decade of studying faces under her belt. Her specific research area involves the role of expertise in information processing, with a specific focus on facial processing and problem solving. Her interests also extend to more applied areas like eyewitness memory and factors concerning the intersection between psychology and law.
One of her current projects research is aimed at understanding the ability to successfully authenticate an unfamiliar person’s identity with a photo identification card (i.e., ID). She wants to understand why errors occur when security personal determine if the person pictured on a ID is the same the person standing in front of them. Dr. Weatherford recognizes these findings may improve national security process for U.S Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.
Dr. Weatherford began teaching at Texas A&M-San Antonio in fall 2016. She finds that A&M-San Antonio students are passionate about their studies and possess a thirst for knowledge. Her psychology students are involved in her research when they participate in facial recognition testing methods.
Dr. Weatherford moved to San Antonio in summer 2016, and is still learning the ropes. As a self-proclaimed caffeine fiend, she often finds comfort and relaxation at Summer Moon Coffee Bar. She also enjoys the city vibes at the Pearl, the Blue Star complex and the River Walk.
Wherever she is—coffee in hand or not—Dr. Weatherford is inconspicuously studying faces of the people she meets. She is trying to unveil what is written all over everyone’s face.
So, if you’re around campus and you see Dr. Weatherford and she seems to be staring—don’t worry. It is a cognitive process from a friendly and dynamic faculty member.