Context-dependent trading of binaural spatial cues in virtual reality

Abstract

Despite the hurdles along the way, looking back over the past four-and-a-half years brings about an unexpected calmness. Part of this feeling is a sense of accomplishment, but another facet stems from the enduring support I have received. My sincerest gratitude goes out to everyone who has contributed to this study and to the advancement of my graduate training.Bethany: The past few years have both dragged and flown by, but you have been a constant throughout all of it. Thank you for your hard work supporting the two of us financially while I synthesized weird sounds in MATLAB for all these years. I have leaned heavily on your limitless patience and unwavering support and you did not falter. Your data are always the best data.Chris: Thank you for welcoming a second-year graduate student into your lab, largely sight-unseen.Without your generosity I would not be where I am today. Your calmness and adaptability have greatly impacted my approach to science, teaching and mentoring. Trying to emulate the breadth and depth of your expertise has been both humbling and inspiring. Thank you for your guidance, and your example.Erin: You have run the gamut of roles with me during my time at Vanderbilt: student colleague, TA, lab mentor, landlord, employer, instructor, collaborator, coauthor, and co-instructor. There is not enough room to thank you for all of your cheerful guidance, and your most important role as friend. So much of so many things would have fallen apart without your constant support.Ben: It has been ten years since my first day in your psychoacoustics course, and you have not stopped teaching me since. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me for so long. I think it's fair to say you had the most challenging task in turning a German major into a scientist. I know it wasn't easy, but lucky for me, easy is not your style. Erick: Thank you for agreeing to serve on my dissertation committee with little advance warning and only a cursory explanation of the project. I am grateful for your insightful comments, which you always had despite the unfavorable conditions created by video conferencing. Your expertise improved this project, and I hope we collaborate again.