My research focuses on issues of meaning representation and cognitive processes in language, vision, action, and human-machine interaction. Most recently I have been studying cooperation using AI simulations and experiments. Broadly, I study how people make sense of words, graphs, scenes, and interactive devices by using multiple empirical methods, particularly controlled experiments. My research has contributed both to theory and application in cognitive science, by combining basic and applied research. Conclusions from my research have identified cognitive processes that improve human performance, and theory that explains the results. A distinctive aspect of my contributions is the linking of cognitive semantic theory with perceptual/sensory processes. My research applies my multidisciplinary background in linguistics, psychology, computer science, and physics, and postdoctoral training in cognitive neuroscience. In my collaborations with colleagues and with students, I enjoy the challenge of working across diverse disciplines to broaden our mutual expertise and improve research outcomes.