Dr. Michael Tarr

Professor

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Biography

Michael J. Tarr is the Kavčić-Moura Professor of Cognitive Brain Science at Carnegie Mellon University, where he is a professor in the Department of Psychology and the Neuroscience Institute, and has affiliated positions in the Machine Learning and Robotics institutes. His research focuses on the cognitive processes underlying visual perception, with an emphasis on how the primate brain interprets 2D retinal images to recognize objects and scenes. He is particularly interested in face, object, and scene perception, perceptual expertise, and learning, as well as visual categorization and semantics. His work also explores computational artificial vision systems and innovative imaging methods such as real-time, adaptive functional magnetic resonance imaging. Tarr plays a significant role in mentoring Ph.D. students and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in cognitive science and computational cognitive neuroscience.

Research Interests

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.