University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

During their sophomore and junior years, students serve as research assistants in several different research labs, on a rotating basis, including a Stress and Arousal Lab, a Memory Lab, a Reasoning Lab, and a Social Experimental Lab. As research assistants, students are trained in methods used for cognitive neuroscience research using a variety of psychophysiological measures such as brain waves, sweating related to arousal, heart rate, muscle tension, and eye movements.

Additionally, students take part in additional activities designed to integrate them into a cohesive learning community and social network. These include:

• Weekly lab meetings devoted to developing research skills.
• Research presentations & invited lectures.
• Discussions of current topics in cognitive neuroscience.
• Social activities such as potlucks, picnics, and movie nights.
• Career and academic mentoring.

Finally, during their senior year, C-NERVE students conduct a capstone independent research project for which they take the role of principal investigator. The project must utilize one or more psychophysiological techniques they learned to use during their lab rotations, with a research question framed within the context of cognitive neuroscience. Their final task is to present the completed project at a professional conference at the end of the spring semester.

Over the last 3 years C-NERVE student students have:

• Presented their research projects at more than 16 local, regional and national conferences.
• Graduated with cumulative GPAs that were significantly higher than a non-C-NERVE comparison group.
• Been more engaged than students in general, as measured by their scores on the National Student Survey on Engagement.
• Scored at the 80^th and 95^th percentile on the cognitive and physiological components of the Major Field Test in Psychology

If you are interested in learning more about C-NERVE or becoming a member, please contact: