University of California-San Diego · NeuroscienceThe Attention Lab
Karen L Pierce · La Jolla, California
Research Focus
Dr. Karen L. Pierce's lab at UC San Diego focuses on improving the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using innovative eye-tracking technology. By analyzing visual attention patterns in toddlers, the lab aims to enhance the accuracy of ASD screenings during routine pediatric check-ups. Their research not only tests the effectiveness of eye tracking as a reliable screening tool but also explores how it compares to traditional parent questionnaire methods in identifying children who may need further evaluation.
ASDearly screeningeye trackingvisual attentionpediatric healthdiagnostic accuracymachine learningbioinformaticsparent-report toolsclinical outcomes
Research Aims
3AIM 01Test the effectiveness of eye tracking in ASD screening during pediatric check-ups.
AIM 02Determine the sensitivity and specificity of eye tracking compared to parent-report tools.
AIM 03Evaluate the impact of various demographic factors on eye tracking scores.
Skills the Lab Values
eye trackingstatistical modelingdata analysismachine learningelectronic health recordspediatric evaluationsurvey designbioinformaticsvisual attention assessments
Output against the department
Publications204top 36% of dept.241st of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations31ktop 13% of dept.85th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.