Christopher Chabris

Chris received his A.B. in computer science and his Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University, where he was also a Lecturer and Research Associate for many years. He did postdoctoral work in brain imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is now Associate Professor of Psychology and co-director of the Neuroscience Program at Union College in Schenectady, New York, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Neurology at Albany Medical College. His research focuses on three main areas: collective intelligence in human groups; individual differences in thinking and decision-making; and how cognitive illusions affect our lives. He has published papers on a diverse array of topics, including human intelligence, beauty and the brain, face recognition, the Mozart effect, behavioral genetics, group performance, intertemporal choice, chess expertise, and visual cognition. Chris's work has appeared in leading journals, and it has been covered in major media outlets worldwide. Chris has spoken to audiences at PopTech, Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Procter & Gamble, government agencies, and elsewhere. Chris is a chess master, poker amateur, and games enthusiast; he writes the monthly "Game On" column in The Wall Street Journal. He also contributes occasionally to The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Slate, and other national publications.

Daniel Simons

Dan received his B.A. in Psychology and Cognitive Science from Carleton College and his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Cornell University. He spent five years on the faculty at Harvard University before moving to Illinois in 2002. He is now a Professor in the Departments of Psychology, Advertising, and Business Administration at the University of Illinois. His scholarly research focuses on the limits of human perception, memory, and awareness, and he is best known for his research showing that people are far less aware of their visual surroundings than they think. He has published papers on an array of topics including the limits of visual awareness, change blindness, inattentional blindness, driving and distraction, overconfidence, "brain training," among others. His work is published in top scientific journals and is discussed regularly in the popular media. His studies and demonstrations have been exhibited in more than a dozen science museums worldwide. He speaks regularly to companies, trade organizations, and government agencies, and he contributes occasionally to the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and other national publications. In his spare time, he enjoys juggling, running, bridge, and chess.