Christopher Thorstenson

With a visionary perspective, Christopher Thorstenson addresses the intricate nuances of human perception and color vision as an Assistant Professor in the Color Science Program at the College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology. His research delves into the fascinating realm of how humans perceive and evaluate the color appearance of human faces, a field that bridges the gap between psychology and color science. Professor Thorstenson is dedicated to advancing the understanding of facial perception through his innovative research. His work has garnered attention from prestigious platforms, including a feature on the BBC, where his insights into how showing stress can enhance likability were highlighted. This recognition underscores his commitment to exploring the subtle complexities of human interaction and perception. In the classroom, Thorstenson is known for his engaging teaching style and his ability to inspire students across a range of courses. He teaches Cognitive Neuroscience Seminar A, Special Topics, Computational Vision Science, Research and Publication Methods, and Research & Thesis. His courses are designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of vision science and cognitive neuroscience. Beyond his academic pursuits, Christopher Thorstenson is an advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, believing that the intersection of different fields can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. His passion for research and teaching is matched by his enthusiasm for mentoring students, guiding them to explore their own research interests and develop critical thinking skills. As a respected member of the academic community, Thorstenson continues to contribute to the field of psychology and color science, pushing the boundaries of what is known about human perception. His work not only enhances academic knowledge but also has practical implications for industries such as design, marketing, and technology, where understanding color perception is crucial. Christopher Thorstenson's dedication to his field and his students makes him a valuable asset to the Rochester Institute of Technology and the broader scientific community. His ongoing research and teaching efforts promise to yield further insights into the complex world of color vision and facial perception.