Monica Fabiani's research interests are in the cognitive neuroscience of human memory and aging, as well as in the development of tools for the non-invasive mapping of human brain function. As is typical of the cognitive neuroscience approach, her research involves the integration of data from different domains, including behavioral responses, neuropsychological tests, and brain anatomy and function (event-related brain potentials, or ERPs; structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI; and optical imaging, including near infrared spectroscopy, or NIRS, and a new technique developed by Gabriele Gratton (CNS Group) and Fabiani, the event-related optical signals, or EROS).

Fabiani's current research encompasses several interconnected lines: (1) Research on the neurophysiological and psychological bases of sensory and working memory in normal aging , with particular reference to frontal lobe/executive function and individual differences among younger and older adults; (2) an extension of this research to the effects of alcohol on executive function ; (3) research on the development of a new non-invasive optical brain imaging method (the event-related optical signal * EROS) and its integration with currently existing methods; and (4) research on the application of optical methods (EROS and near-infrared spectroscopy * NIRS) to issues of aging research, with emphasis on neurovascular coupling.