Dr. Brianna Yamasaki
Brain, Behavior, and Broader Learning Lab
In the BaBL Lab, we want to better understand how one’s external environment and experiences and internal cognitive and biological factors drive individual differences in language and reading skills. In particular, our work focuses on understanding how these skills develop in linguistically diverse individuals (e.g., second-language English speakers), an underserved but rapidly growing population in the United States.​
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Emory
Dr. Doby Rahnev
Computations of Subjective Perception
The goal of our research is to understand how the brain constructs what we see. Unlike what it may feel intuitively, vision doesn't just happen to us. Our brain engages in complex processing that creates our subjective visual reality out of incomplete and ambiguous sensory signals. Our research is focused on understanding how the brain accomplishes this feat. We approach this question using a variety of techniques such as computational modeling of behavioral data, testing how deep neural networks (DNNs) for computer vision mimic and differ from human vision, testing patients with neurological deficits, and exploring the brain mechanisms directly via fMRI and TMS. We also strongly support open science and share the data and code for all our papers.
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GET INVOLVED!
We are always looking for students with strong computer science background to work on projects related to artificial neural networks (ANNs). Many other opportunities exist too. For more, visit: https://rahnevlab.gatech.edu/getinvolved.html
Georgia Tech
Dr. Chris Wiese
The Foundation Lab
The Foundation Lab is located on Georgia Tech's campus in the middle of downtown Atlanta. Housed within historic the John Saylor (J.S.) Coon Building, The Foundation Lab consists of a multi-media rich research space - with several independent/interconnected lab "pods" that can share both audio and visual information with each other. These pods are equipped with Virtual Reality headsets and software that allow us to simulate future work conditions. These facilitates are perfect for conducting experimental studies on team dynamics as well as multiple simultaneous studies on individual health and well-being. Further, the Foundation Lab uses high-fidelity driving simulators to study cognitive and psychological phenomenon that occurs while navigating.
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GET INVOLVED!
We regularly have open volunteer or for-credit positions in our lab. Please feel free to reach out to us to learn more!
Georgia Tech
Dr. Stephanie Stern
Fiction and Learning Lab
Our lab focuses on impact of fiction on social development. We look specifically at the impact exposure to fiction has on the development of an individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about the world. Additionally, we study the ability fiction has to help us satisfy our basic social needs and how it may be used as an educational tool.
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GET INVOLVED!
We are interested in collaborating with students and faculty at other universities in the areas.
Agnes Scott
Dr. Rohan Palmer
Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory
In the Behavioral Genetics of Addiction (BGA) Laboratory, we investigate how genomic variation influences the progression to maladaptive substance use behaviors. We are identifying the differences in our DNA that influence our relationship with alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other illicit substances through sophisticated genomic techniques. To understand the progression from use to dependence, we additionally examine related traits and behaviors that may predate the onset of substance use/addiction or co-occur with substance use/addiction, such as major depression, conduct problems, and novelty seeking. Our research spans across species and development (i.e., prenatal through adulthood), as well as strives to include both clinical and community-based samples. Furthermore, we aim to address disparities in mental health among populations typically underrepresented in research.
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Get Involved!
"I am planning to review applications for Fall '25 admission. Prospective students with a strong interest in behavioral genetics and substance use are encouraged to apply. More information about the lab on the website."
Emory
Dr. Peeper McDonald
Applied Research in Multiculturism and Social Justice
The purpose of this applied research lab is for students to gain experience conducting psychological research and to gain experience writing and presenting research specifically around the concepts of Multiculturism and Social Justice with considerations around identity, psychological well-being, and social media usage.
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Agnes Scott
Dr. Mengyao Li
Hybrid Intelligence
In HI lab, our mission is to integrate human and machine intelligence to achieve better outcomes than alone. Specifically, we model, predict, and shape human-AI communication, social cooperation, and long-term coevolution in both social and safety-critical environments.
Georgia Tech
Dr. Robert Wilson
Neuroscience of Reinforcement Learning and Decision-Making Lab
Our lab is dedicated to understanding the principles of reinforcement learning and control in humans and animals using computational models, machine learning, and AI. We focus on uncovering the underlying algorithms that shape decision-making processes, allowing us to explore how people learn from feedback, adapt their behavior, and optimize their actions in dynamic environments.
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Our research extends beyond abstract models by applying our findings to real-world contexts, such as spatial navigation and everyday decision-making, including entertainment choices like selecting a TV show. We are also committed to studying how these cognitive processes evolve with aging and in conditions like chronic pain, where decision-making may be affected.
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By integrating computational approaches with behavioral science, our aim is to deepen our understanding of human cognition and develop insights that can help improve decision-making strategies across different populations and settings. Ultimately, we seek to contribute to enhancing human well-being and performance by advancing the science of learning and control.
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GET INVOLVED!
We are recruiting research assistants and volunteers to participate in ongoing studies. Positions are available for individuals interested in hands-on experience with computational modeling, behavioral experiments, and data analysis. We also welcome participants who would like to contribute as research subjects in our studies on decision-making and learning.
Georgia Tech
Dr. Ali Cohen
Learning, Understanding, Memory, & and Neurodevelopment (LUMeN) Lab
The ability to learn from and remember salient information is essential for an individual to survive and thrive throughout life. Research in the Learning, Understanding, Memory, & Neurodevelopment (LUMeN) lab focuses on characterizing the brain and cognitive mechanisms through which emotion and motivation mold how we learn and what we remember across development. We use a combination of behavioral, neuroimaging, psychophysiological, and computational modeling techniques and an interdisciplinary approach, to address the following overarching questions:
* How do emotion and motivation influence behavioral and neural learning & memory processes across development?
* How does the complexity of the learning environment influence motivated learning, memory, & brain function across age?
Emory
Dr. Vince Calhoun
CREST Dynamic Multiscale and Multimodal Brain Mapping Across the Lifespan [D-MAP]
The Center for Dynamic Multiscale and Multimodal Brain Mapping Across the Lifespan (D-MAP) at Georgia State University is a Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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The CREST D-MAP program focuses on three primary subprojects aimed at advancing neuroimaging research. The Dynamic Connectivity subproject is dedicated to developing innovative algorithms, flexible models, and metrics to deepen our understanding of spatial brain dynamics and connectivity. The Multimodal Data Fusion subproject concentrates on creating models to track dynamic relationships within multimodal imaging data by integrating diverse data dimensions and enhancing model flexibility through deep subspace integration. Lastly, the Predictive Neuroimaging subproject focuses on building dynamic multi-scale predictive models for individuals, improving interpretability through visualization and model introspection, and constructing an efficient neuroinformatics framework for managing large-scale neuroimaging data. These subprojects collectively drive progress in understanding the brain across the lifespan.
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D-MAP welcomes individuals who are passionate about the brain, curious about research, and ready to take steps toward scientific discovery.
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GET INVOLVED!
D-MAP Summer Program for Undergraduates
This unique opportunity offers undergraduate students a $4,000 stipend to participate full-time in research and professional development activities.
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Hosted by Georgia State University, D-MAP (Center for Dynamic Multiscale and Multimodal Brain Mapping Across the Lifespan) is part of the NSF-funded CREST (Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology) initiative. The program supports the advancement of faculty research and increases the representation of historically underrepresented students in STEM fields.
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D-MAP focuses on cutting-edge research aimed at understanding brain development and changes over the lifespan using advanced technologies such as neuroimaging, machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and neuroinformatics.
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Applications for summer 2025 will open soon. Visit the website for additional information: https://trendscenter.org/d-map-undergraduate-summer-research-program/
Georgia State
Dr. Michael Treadway
The Translational Research in Affective Disorders (TReAD)
The Translational Research in Affective Disorders (TReAD) Lab studies the behavioral and neurobiological determinants of cost/benefit decision-making in healthy individuals, as well as in patients with mental illness. Our research focuses on the neural circuitry that underlies decision-making and how abnormalities in these processes relate to and manifest as core symptoms in affective disorders, like major depressive disorder.
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GET INVOLVED!
We are accepting graduate students this cycle! UGRA positions may become available in Spring and Summer 2025!
Emory
Dr. Bruce Walker
Center for Human-AI Robot Teaming (CHART)
The Center for Human-AI-Robot Teamwork (CHART) is a leading consortium of researchers and innovators dedicated to transforming how humans, AI, and robotics work together. Based at Georgia Tech, but with global membership, we explore the future of intelligent technology collaboration, aiming to redefine human-AI-robot interactions for the betterment of society.
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GET INVOLVED!
Open for volunteers to help collaborate with other professors.
Georgia Tech
Dr. Peter Hitchcock
Translational Lab
The Translational Lab focuses on when and why decision-making goes awry in depression and anxiety disorders and on developing potent and scalable interventions to improve it.
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We leverage careful experimental design, reinforcement learning and sequential sampling computational models, and intervention analogues (and soon full self-guided interventions) toward these ends. Some topics of particular interest:
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Training A Computational Lens on Rumination and Worry
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Why do we ruminate? Why do we worry? What is shared and what is distinct between these thinking patterns in terms of their constituent computations? Once these thinking patterns become entrenched, how do they influence our behavior?
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Developing Clinical Principles and Translating them into Powerful Treatments
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There is a rich history of translating behavioral science into effective and widely disseminated psychotherapies. How can we translate the recent remarkable advances in the decision sciences into clinical principles to develop potent, precise, scalable interventions?
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Understanding the Contexts in which Decision-making Goes Awry
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Assessing information processing among someone prone to depression or anxiety is not like running a background diagnostic on your laptop. The individual's state, and the context in which they are embedded, fundamentally alters how they process information. We are interested in questions such as: How does information processing change when people experience the emotions that are characteristic of these mental health problems? How does it change after distressing life events?​
Emory
Dr. Bruce Walker
The Center for Inclusive Climate Communications (CICC)
The Center for Inclusive Climate Communication (ICC) focuses on research, tool-building, training, and resource development that allows climate (and all) scientists to communicate and disseminate their findings broadly and effectively, ensuring that vital data reaches every corner of our diverse global community.​
Georgia Tech
Dr. Tansu Celikel
Neuroloops
At Neuroloops, we study perceptual learning as we observe, model, and control the brain and behavior. We reverse engineer the neural mechanisms of perceptual learning and forward engineer neuromorphic computing platforms. Our research is at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, computing, and (biomedical, electrical) engineering. We place strong emphasis on establishing causality between brain, mind, and behavior, which often requires us to develop hardware and software solutions to observe and modulate the brain, cognition, and behavior in a closed loop.
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GET INVOLVED!
We always seek exceptional talent that embraces challenges and thrives in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. We provide a supportive and collegial environment that places the professional development of every team member as a top priority. Drop us a line (neuroloops@gatech.edu) if you want to discuss the opportunities.
Georgia Tech
Register your lab for the Lab Fair!
Please provide your lab's information below if you would like to be featured at our lab fair on the day of the event or on our Better Together website. Both options are a great opportunity for students and researchers at other institutions to learn more about your research, job/volunteer opportunities, etc.