Fall 2019 Newsletter

Caren RotelloDear Friends,

It’s so nice to talk with you again, to share our excitement at the start of another academic year. I hope you’ll come visit us in October: we’re holding an Open House and we’d truly love to see you!

We are thrilled to have hired several new faculty in PBS this year, and we’ll tell you about all of them over the course of the year; in this issue, you can learn what inspires Carolyn Davies and Maria Galano. Read on to learn how some of our students and alumni have benefited from their PBS research experiences as they plan for or begin their careers, to read about some new awards earned by our faculty, and to hear about some of our many outreach activities.

Please remember to send us your news. Alumni, #MeetMeInTobin to tell us what you’re up to, stop by our Alumni pages to tell us your stories and share your favorite UMass memories. And do come visit Tobin Hall in October, we promise it will be fun!

Warmly,
Caren Rotello


Features

Friday, October 25 | 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Put on your thinking caps and come over to the Tobin Hall Labs to meet faculty and students and learn about five research programs that hold the promise of making revolutionary advancements!

Participate in interactive demonstrations showcasing innovative technology while exploring the wide range of research performed in psychological and brain sciences. No cost to attend. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Learn more and Register Today

View the full schedule of Homecoming activities at UMassAlumni.com/Homecoming


Do new automotive technologies put teen drivers and those with ADHD at a higher risk of accidents? PBS students and faculty are featured in a video highlighting their research funded by the Institute of Diversity Sciences at UMass Amherst. Watch video


Undergraduate researcher pursues a deeper understanding of medical decision-making

Emma Cyr, Commonwealth Honors student in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, has been working as a research assistant in the Affect and Social Cognition Lab. We asked how her research endeavors have informed and prepared her for a future in medicine. Read more


With a passion for science, David Nikom ’17 created his own path of learning and fun inspired by great teachers. Interested in neuroscience from an early age following a summer science camp, he’s never slowed down in his push to gain knowledge in the field. Nikom set realistic goals and acquired both the people skills and technical know-how to secure a fulfilling job in the biotech industry. Read full article


The Neuro-Learning and Performance Lab combines fMRI and EEG techniques for the first time at UMass Amherst

What areas of our brain are activated when we make decisions? Xingjie Chen, developmental science doctoral student advised by Youngbin Kwak, is striving to uncover the neuromechanisms behind this action. She is studying what happens when people process decision making-related variables and make a final choice, such as when we opt to take a risk or play it safe.
Read full article


New Faces

Carolyn Davies

Lecturer, Clinical Psychology

Learn more about Carolyn

Maria Galano

Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology

Learn more about Maria


Research Highlights


Award Highlights


Community Outreach