Research Experience
Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions
Bilingualism and Language Development Lab, Penn State
I used EEG and mobile EEG techniques to study patterns of cross-language activation and transfer in adult L2 learners, children, and bilinguals. Assisted with phonetic analysis of word naming data in English and Dutch. Prepared independent research study (supported by NSF PIRE) in E-Prime and collected behavioral measure data, using transcription and error detection tasks.
The lab studies the neural and cognitive processes related to language learning and variation. They combine behavioral, neuropsychological (EEG), and linguistic techniques to study these processes across the lifespan, with a strong focus on bilinguals.Other specific topics of study include code-switching, foreign accented speech comprehension in younger and older adults.
I assisted with data collection in comprehension and production of regional dialectal variation, and furthermore assisted with EEG runs for a study that focused on the relation between divergent thinking and creative problem-solving in STEM fields.
The lab studies the neural and cognitive processes related to language learning and variation. They combine behavioral, neuropsychological (EEG), and linguistic techniques to study these processes across the lifespan, with a strong focus on bilinguals.Other specific topics of study include code-switching, foreign accented speech comprehension in younger and older adults.
I assisted with data collection in comprehension and production of regional dialectal variation, and furthermore assisted with EEG runs for a study that focused on the relation between divergent thinking and creative problem-solving in STEM fields.
Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Lab, Penn State
I assisted with behavioral coding of child social interaction in laboratory setting using Datavyu as part of BRAINS project. Trained on and conducted in-person experiments with children.
BRAINS project: Attention and Social Behavior in Children
This project studied the way attention may be linked to social behavior and brain processes.
They tested children ages 9 to 12 with a variety of temperaments. Two children of same-age, same-sex had the opportunity to interact. I assisted with observation / behavioral coding of different social behavior patterns. Children then completed computer-based attention tasks while EEG and fMRI measures were collected. Participating children repeated the computer tasks once a week in their homes. After four weeks, the children returned to PSU and repeated the social interaction, the EEG, and the fMRI tasks. The goal was to view attention over time and its effect on behavior and the brain.
BRAINS project: Attention and Social Behavior in Children
This project studied the way attention may be linked to social behavior and brain processes.
They tested children ages 9 to 12 with a variety of temperaments. Two children of same-age, same-sex had the opportunity to interact. I assisted with observation / behavioral coding of different social behavior patterns. Children then completed computer-based attention tasks while EEG and fMRI measures were collected. Participating children repeated the computer tasks once a week in their homes. After four weeks, the children returned to PSU and repeated the social interaction, the EEG, and the fMRI tasks. The goal was to view attention over time and its effect on behavior and the brain.
Independent Research
C.R.E.A.T.E. Meaningful Learning: A Strategic Investigation of the Pedagogical Efficacy of Primary Literature-Based Undergraduate Education in Psychology
I received a $3500 Erickson Discovery Grant in 2018 and again in 2019 to conduct pedagogical research in conjunction with the supplemental course I taught, which focused on using primary literature instead of a textbook in introductory undergraduate psychology courses.
The supplemental course students were also participants in the research study.
The course is entitled: C.R.E.A.T.E. Meaningful Learning: A Strategic Investigation of the Pedagogical Efficacy of Primary Literature-Based Undergraduate Education in Psychology (PSYCH 296), and is still taught at Penn State by undergraduate students, for undergraduate students.
It was designed to exposure students to the scientific process by creating a recitation laboratory classroom setting where primary literature articles are discussed.
I received a $3500 Erickson Discovery Grant in 2018 and again in 2019 to conduct pedagogical research in conjunction with the supplemental course I taught, which focused on using primary literature instead of a textbook in introductory undergraduate psychology courses.
The supplemental course students were also participants in the research study.
The course is entitled: C.R.E.A.T.E. Meaningful Learning: A Strategic Investigation of the Pedagogical Efficacy of Primary Literature-Based Undergraduate Education in Psychology (PSYCH 296), and is still taught at Penn State by undergraduate students, for undergraduate students.
It was designed to exposure students to the scientific process by creating a recitation laboratory classroom setting where primary literature articles are discussed.
NSF PIRE Project: The influence of speakers' physical appearance on listeners' accented speech comprehension
I spent a summer in Beijing, China at Dr. Taomei Guo's at the State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning at Beijing Normal University, conducting an independent research study on the influence of speakers' physical appearance on accented speech comprehension. This research was supported by an NSF PIRE grant.
I spent a summer in Beijing, China at Dr. Taomei Guo's at the State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning at Beijing Normal University, conducting an independent research study on the influence of speakers' physical appearance on accented speech comprehension. This research was supported by an NSF PIRE grant.
Additional Funding, Awards, and honors
- Paterno Fellows Program :
- Academic Achievement: Dean's List 2015-2020
- Erickson Discovery Grant (2018 2019)
- NSF PIRE Research Grant (2019)
- Pennsylvania State University Alumni Association Scholarship
- National Honor Society Vice President
- Citizenship Award & American Legion Award
- National Society of Leadership and Success Member
- The International Honor Society in Psychology Member (Psi Chi)
- Lawrence County Distinguished Young Women (DYS) First Runner Up
- The Quell Foundation- Bridge the Gap Scholarship (2018, 2019)
- Poole Family Honors Scholarship
- The Penn State College of the Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds Whole World Scholarship
- Schreyer International Scholarship
- M Sanderson Study Abroad Liberal Arts Scholarship