Ryan Lange studies how human visual systems construct neural representations of visual input, and how the construction of those representations can be modified by experience. Using illusions, masking protocols, and psychophysical techniques to break and probe the limits of normal visual experiences, Lange investigates how human brains build unambiguous, organized models of the world. Further, by studying learning, information, and communication, he explores how experiences modify and give meaning to those models. 

Ryan is interested in visual perception. In particular, he is interested in the neural mechanisms which mediate color and brightness perception, and how they interact to give us meaningful information about the brightness and color of objects in the environment despite constant changes in lighting.