8 ACUMEN • SPRING 2026 PSYCHOLOGY WHAT OUR EYES MISS—AND WHY IT MATTERS When a radiologist scans an X-ray for tumors or a TSA officer examines baggage for prohibited items, they’re executing complex cognitive processes that transform sensory information into meaningful decisions. Patrick Cox, assistant professor of psychology, is working to decode these mechanisms through research that investigates how the brain processes visual information, directs attention, and conducts visual search. “How we successfully perform visual search is a basic science question about something that we do all the time in our daily lives,” Cox says. “But it’s also really important in lots of really high stakes applied settings.” His work aims to inform critical applications in medical imaging, security screening, and defense intelligence. Cox’s laboratory employs a comprehensive methodological toolkit. The core work involves behavioral experiments where participants complete visual search tasks on computer displays. But the lab also uses electroencephalography (EEG) to observe neural processing in real time. “By putting an EEG cap on the scalp, we can essentially see large, coordinated activation of parts of the brain read meaningful engagement with Black feminist thought, critical attention to whiteness, and consistent efforts to build community across disciplinary and institutional boundaries. Ed Whitley, professor and chair of Lehigh’s English department, called Edwards “an incredibly intelligent and deeply moral person” whose leadership shapes both the Lehigh campus and her community. Former students and junior colleagues described her mentorship as transformative and sustaining. “Suzanne Edwards is one of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever had the privilege of learning from during my graduate education,” said Sarita Jayanty Mizin, a 2021 graduate who is assistant professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. “She engages in dialectical feminist mentorship in ways that have supported (me) and many former students across a vast range of intellectual and personal growth. When I think of conversations with Suzanne, I’m reminded that no education is ever wasted. ... It is a privilege to now consider Suzanne my friend and comrade in this considered life.” The award will be given every two years, with nominations beginning in 2027. Edwards’ research examines connections between contemporary feminist and queer theory and medieval European literature. Her book “The Afterlives of Rape in Medieval English Literature” explores how medieval texts frame sexual assault and consent. She recently co-edited “Women’s Restorative Medievalisms” with Dr. Matthew X. Vernon and is working on a new book examining medieval debate forms through feminist theories of intersectionality. Edwards co-directs the Gloria Naylor Archive project with Mary Foltz and has published personal essays on reproductive justice and mothering with cancer. A recipient of Lehigh University’s Early Career Award and the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, she teaches courses in medieval literature, law and literature, and gender and sexuality studies. ENGLISH EDWARDS EARNS COACHING HONOR The Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship has announced the creation of the Suzanne Edwards Mentorship Award, a new biennial honor recognizing extraordinary mentorship of early-career feminist scholars. English professor Suzanne Edwards is the inaugural recipient. “Through her brilliance, generosity, and integrity, Suzanne has shown us what feminist mentorship can and should be,” the citation reads. “It is our honor to celebrate her by establishing this award in her name.” The award was proposed by scholars Sarah Baechle of the University of Mississippi and Carissa Harris of Temple University and received unanimous approval from the SMFS Advisory Board. Colleagues, students, and mentees shared overwhelming praise for Edwards’ impact on feminist medieval studies and beyond. Edwards is celebrated for her intellectual generosity, commitment to inclusivity, and ability to merge rigorous scholarship with feminist praxis. Colleagues point to her scholarship’s BRIDGEMAN IMAGES, SIPA USA / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO BRIEFS Folio from a medieval handbook, circa 11th century.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0OTQ5OA==