Dr. Connie Shears
Associate Professor Schmid College of Science and Technology Psychology , Crean School of Health and Life Sciences [email protected] My research investigates comprehension of language, semantic memory processes, and attentional limits related to cognitive resource demands. I have a research liaison with an adult rehabilitation program for survivors of acquired brain injury where I examine how brain injury disrupts these comprehension processes. I direct an active research program in my Cognitive Science lab at Chapman University, which provides many students with first-hand experience in psychological research activities and has supported several student-based research projects. I also teach undergraduate courses in Statistics, Research Methods, Advanced Research Design, Perception and Cognitive Psychology. Most of these courses are designed to offer students direct experience with the scientific method of psychological research and support student projects that reflect mastery of hypotheses testing and APA research reports. See what Dr. Shears has done on the Publications page! |
Samira Amirazizi
Lab Manager Senior Psychology major [email protected] My time as a research assistant in the Cognitive Science Lab has been such a rewarding experience thus far. I've learned hands on about cognitive psychology and the methodology in conducting language comprehension experiments. My time in the lab has sparked my interest in the field of clinical psychology: specifically memory and language development. My future goals are to obtain a Ph.D in clinical psychology after graduating Chapman University. I am very interested in the development of the brain from childhood to adulthood and how certain life experiences, such as trauma affect the brain. I am also very interested in emotions and how that influences our memory. I’m so excited to continue working as a research assistant for the rest of my time at Chapman! |
Kelsey Leavy
Research Assistant Senior Psychology Major [email protected] This is my first year working in Dr. Shears Cognitive Science lab and so far it has been a wonderful experience. Not only have I been able to gain real lab experience, but I get to do research in an area I’m greatly interested in. After graduating Chapman I plan to continue researching the brain by pursing an M.D. in order to research memory and brain disorders in a clinical setting. I hope to continue the remainder of my time at Chapman in this lab pursuing such interesting research. |
Lucie Jerome
Research Assistant Senior Psychology Major [email protected] This is my first year working in the cognitive sciences lab with Dr. Shears. I am thrilled to be a member of her team and a part of her highly active lab. After I graduate from Chapman majoring in psychology and minoring in dance, I intend to attend graduate school for a degree in either occupational or movement therapy as I am particularly interested in the intersections between psychology and the human body. I feel that my experience working in an experimental psych lab will greatly prepare me for my future in the field. |