Lora Likova

Senior Scientist

Ph.D.

The research in my Lab is centered on neuroplasticity, brain mechanisms underlying learning, memory and art, neurorehabilitation of blindness, spatial cognition and navigation, vision deficits associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and multimodal sensorimotor processing. We employ a diverse array of brain imaging techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), tensor-based brain morphometry (TBM), and high-density electroencephalography (EEG). Our work also incorporates advanced data analysis methods, such as Granger causal brain connectivity analysis. Additionally, we integrate cutting-edge tools like virtual reality, motion-capture systems, and specialized remote-research platforms in our investigations.

Likova Lab
Contact Information:

Email: lora@ski.org

Office Phone: (415) 345-2066


2318 Fillmore St.

San Francisco, CA 94115

Links:
Likova Lab: Brain Plasticity, Learning & Neurorehabilitation

Publications

Hartelius, G. ., Likova, L. T., Haldeman, D. ., Sester, M. ., Elfers, J. ., & Tyler, C. W. (2025). Evidence that attentional stance shift is earned rapidly, reliably Induces mindfulness, and constitutes a distinctive marker of cognitive process. Mindfulness, 1-15. (Original work published 2025)

Tyler, W. C., Mineff, N. K., Liang, M., & Likova, T. L. (2025). Spatiomotor dynamics of hand movements during the drawing of memory-guided trajectories without visual feedback. Journal of neurophysiology, 133(6), 1665–1674.

Hartelius, G., Likova, T. L., Haldeman, D. D., Sester, M., Elfers, J., & Tyler, W. C. (2025). Evidence that Attentional Stance Shift is Learned Rapidly, Reliably Induces Mindfulness, and Constitutes a Distinctive Marker of Cognitive Process. Mindfulness, 16(5), 1258–1272.

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T. (2024). Beyond space and time: Analysis of the arcane perceptual & cognitive effects in the art of Ivan Vukadinov at the Vatican Museums. Electronic Imaging, 36, 1-15.

Likova, L. ., Zhou, Z. ., Liang, M. ., & Tyler, C. W. (2024). Training-induced functional homogenization in the occipitotemporal cortex: Differential cross-modal mechanisms in blindness vs. severe low vision. Journal of Vision, 24, 1.

Hartelius, G. ., Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W. (2023). Self-regulation of attentional stance facilitates induction of meditative states. Electronic Imaging, 35, 1-8. (Original work published 2023)

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T. (2022). Brain trauma impacts retinal processing: photoreceptor pathway interactions in traumatic light sensitivity. Documenta Ophthalmologica, 144, 179-190.

Karim, A. R., Proulx, M. J., de Sousa, A. A., & Likova, L. T. (2022). Do we enjoy what we sense and perceive? A dissociation between aesthetic appreciation and basic perception of environmental objects or events. Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience . (Original work published 2022)

Hartelius, G. ., Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W. (2022). Self-regulation of the seat of attention Into various attentional stances facilitates access to cognitive and emotional resources: An EEG study. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 810780–810780. 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.810780 (Original work published 2022)

Likova, L. T., Jiang, F. ., Stiles, N. R. B., & Tanguay, A. R. , Jr. (2022). Editorial: Special Issue on Multisensory and Crossmodal Interactions. Journal of Perceptual Imaging. (Original work published 2022)

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T. (2022). Brain trauma impacts retinal processing: photoreceptor pathway interactions in traumatic light sensitivity. Documenta Ophthalmologica, 144, 1–12. doi.org/10.1007/s10633-022-09871-1 (Original work published 2022)

Likova, L. T., Mineff, K. ., & Nicholas, S. . (2021). Mental visualization in the cerebellum: Rapid non-motor learning at sub-lobular and causal network levels. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2021.655514 (Original work published 2021)

Likova, L. ., Zhou, Z. ., Liang, M. ., & Tyler, C. W. (2024). Training-induced functional homogenization in the occipitotemporal cortex: differential cross-modal mechanisms in blindness vs. severe low vision. St Petersburg FL.

Likova, L. T., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. N. (2021). Cerebellum vs. cerebrum in memory visualization: Rapid cognitive learning at sub-lobular and causal network levels. (Original work published 2021)

Likova, L. T., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. N. (2021). Rapid reorganization of the cerebellum in memory visualization. (Original work published 2021)

Likova, L. T. (2019). Enhancement of spatial cognition and brain connectivity in people with low vision and blindness. Retrieved from ARVO, Vancouver, Ca

Likova, L. T., Nicholas, S. ., & Tyler, C. W. (2019). Top-down control of spatial memory visualization in early visual cortex. Retrieved from VSS, Fl

Likova, L. T., Mei, M. ., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. . (2019). Learning face perception without vision: Rebound learning effect and hemispheric differences in blind and sighted. Retrieved from ECVP, Leuven

Likova, L. T. (2019). Your brain on memory drawing. Retrieved from VSAC, Leuven (to be presented)

Likova, L. T., Mei, M. ., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. . (2019). Is the face schema innate? Evidence from learning faces in the congenital blind. Retrieved from SfN

Tregillus, K. E., & Likova, L. T. (2018). Fiber-tract differences in people with congenital and acquired blindness. St. Pete Beach, FL. 10.1167/18.10.543

Likova, L. T. (2018). Spatial Awareness Training via Memory-Drawing: Enhancement of Brain Plasticity, Learning and Memory, and Transfer of Training Effects. Retrieved from MacFarland Seminar, AER Conference, Reno, July 25, 2018

Likova, L. T. (2018). Spatiomotor and memory training through drawing in the blind. Retrieved from Southern China Normal University

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W. (2018). Memory Visualization and spatial learning. Retrieved from Nano-symposium at SfN

Likova, L. T. (2018). Cognitive-Kinesthetic Method: Hands-on demonstration with trainers and educators for the blind. Retrieved from Satellite Symposium, Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Reno. July, 2018.

Likova, L. T. (2018). Memory drawing and learning in the class room. Retrieved from Southern China Normal University, Guangzhou

Likova, L. T., Cacciamani, L. ., Nicholas, S. ., & Mineff, K. N. (2017). Top-down working memory reorganization of the primary visual cortex: Granger Causality analysis. Retrieved from Jurnal of Vision

Likova, L. T. (2016). Art training and the brain: brain plasticity and blindness rehabilitation. Retrieved from SfN. San Diego Ca, USA, 2016, A Professional Development Workshop

Likova, L. T. (2016). Rehabilitation training and brain plasticity in blindness: non-visual drawing, spatial cognition enhancement and transfer of training effects. Retrieved from Envision Research Institute, Wichita, Kansas, USA, July 2016.

Likova, L. T. (2016). Keynote address at the Ciancia Festschrift meeting in Buenos Aires. Retrieved from The XI Reunión de los Discípulos del Dr. Ciancia, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Likova, L. T. (2016). Key results from the reported research and their impact for the blind and low vision community. Retrieved from National State of the Science of Blindness Rehabilitation, Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, 2016

Likova, L. T. (2015). Harnessing the power of drawing to drive brain plasticity. Live Webinar, Washington, DC. Retrieved from NEA, NSF & Inter agency Task Force on the Arts and Human Development

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T. (2014). The neurometabolic underpinnings of fMRI BOLD dynamics. In Advanced Brain Neuroimaging Topics in Health and Disease-Methods and Applications. InTech. 10.5772/58274

Likova, L. T., & L, M. . (1988). Visual pattern recognition based on neural network models.

Likova, L. T. (1986). Magnetic Head, N 237417, G 11 B 5/10, Prague, Czech Republic.

Likova, L. T. (1985). Magnetic Head, N 30903, G 11 B 5/10, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Projects

Labs

  • Likova Lab
    Likova Lab
    Principal Investigator:
    The main areas of my research are learning and brain plasticity of multimodal sensorimotor processing in the blind and the sighted.
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Centers

Collaborators

Trainees