Jay Olson, M.Sc. is a PhD candidate at McGill University.
His research on decision making has shown:
The feeling of control over thoughts and decisions can be manipulated using suggestion.
Decisions can be strongly influenced without people noticing (CBC).
People have unconscious decision-making strategies accessible through subtle muscle movements.
His applied research has shown:
Light exposure at the right times can reduce jet lag (Scientific American).
In progress: “Placebo machines” (technological placebos) can reduce symptoms of behavioural disorders (CBC, Mind Field episode).
In progress: Can light therapy reduce shift work fatigue on a large scale?
In progress: Smartphone addiction is related to hypnotic suggestibility.
Upcoming talks (free to attend):
Tue, 23 Oct 2018, 6:30pm–8pm: The Neuroscience of Persuasion and Effective Public Speaking at the Montreal Neurological Institute.
Mon, 29 Oct 2018, 6:30pm–8pm: Effective Public Speaking in Education room 129, 3700 McTavish St., at McGill University. (Similar workshop as above, but without the neuroscience.) Registration link pending.
Jay also works as a consultant to reduce fatigue and improve performance of business travellers and elite athletes. He has worked with companies such as Goldman Sachs and the National Institute of Sports.
Contact Jay at jay@jayolson.org or view his academic CV (PDF).