Past Researchers
Here you can see some of the amazing things that past researchers have done thanks to the opportunities they have received by being in lab with Dr. Shears.
Juliana Lee
Graduated: 2017 This is my second year working in the Cognitive Science Lab. It has been an amazing experience with a great group of people. As a research assistant, I have the opportunity to take part in various research experiments and present at conferences. My experience in lab will provide me the strength to pursue a professional career in research. After graduating from Chapman, I am planning of obtaining a Ph.D. in Neurosciences. In the future, I am interested in studying the brain and pairing research with clinical psychology to understand human behavior. |
Natasha Hamilton
Graduated: 2016 This is my first year working in the Cognitive Science research lab, and I’m very excited to be a part of this wonderful team. I’ve learned so much about research design and implementation from creating and conducting my own research experiment with the guidance of Dr. Shears, and I look forward to continuing to conduct research in the future. After I graduate from Chapman, I plan on obtaining a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, focusing my research on prison psychology. I am particularly interested in understanding which psychological characteristics make some individuals more likely to re-enter the prison system. With that research, I hope to one day develop more effective, more successful cognitive-behavioural treatment methods that can be offered to inmates with serious psychological needs. |
Mackenzie Smith
Graduated: 2016 This is my second year working in the research lab and it has been an amazing experience. The lab is truly giving me all the tools I need to succeed in the field of psychology. As a senior I am able to conduct my own research experiment as part of my Senior Thesis Project with the help and guidance of Dr. Shears. After graduating from Chapman, I plan to pursue a doctorate degree and open my own Animal-Assisted Therapy practice. Combining my love of animals with my love of psychology is a dream come true, and it is all becoming highly attainable thanks to the research lab! |
Maisy Lam
Graduated: 2016 This is my first year as a research assistant, and it has been one of the best experiences that I have had here at Chapman. I am pursuing a dual degree in psychology and business administration, and I am planning to combine the two in a future profession that is to be determined! My favorite thing about being a research assistant is seeing a research project through from start to finish and having an active role in all the experiments, paper submissions, and conferences that I have the opportunity to take part in. See what Maisy's done here! Amy Cohen
Graduated: 2015 This is my first year as a research assistant for the Cognitive Science lab at Chapman University. It has been a life changing experience, and I’ve gained important insight into the psychological research field. I plan on attending graduate school to obtain a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. After a few years of clinical experience, I intend to work towards a Ph.D in clinical psychology. My experience as a research assistant has been incredible, and I look forward to the continuing journey! |
Melissa Bond
Graduated: 2015 After graduating from Chapman University, I went into a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University. I am emphasizing in Child and Family Therapy and when I graduate, I plan to work with primarily couples. I love watching people interact and helping to make those interactions healthier. The Cognitive Lab was absolutely huge in helping me to get where I am now. I would not be in a Ph.D. program without the help of Dr. Shears or the experience I gained in the lab. See what Melissa's done here! |
Erika Sam
Graduated: 2015 I’m a transfer student that has been working in the lab for one year. I’ve had the opportunity to attend different conferences and have gotten great exposure in the field of cognitive psychology. My experiences in research have aided in my pursuit of my own research involving human factors psychology and human computer interaction. I hope to one day become a user experience or design researcher and continue my research within the gaming industry. See what Erika's done here! |
Adriana Ariza
Graduated: 2013 I have been a part of the Cognitive Science Laboratory for two years. I have had the opportunity to attend three professional conferences and learn the importance of research in the field of Psychology. My involvement in the lab has inspired my own research. Currently my senior thesis investigates resilience; the positive adaptation to adversity, amongst first-generation college students. I have been awarded a grant from the Office of Undergraduate Research to continue my research. In the future I hope to become a professor and continue my line of research. In addition, I am currently employed as the Peer Advisor for the Psychology department. If you are a Chapman student looking for any advice regarding your academic career in psychology, how to get involved, or scheduling, please feel free to contact me. See what Adriana's done here! |
Jay Kim
Graduated: 2013 I have been working in this lab for one year, gathering a wholesome experience in the research side of psychology from interacting with participants to assisting in writing scholarly papers. I am currently working on thesis project on how music affects the body. In the future, I plan on comparing the structures of music and language. See what Jay's done here! |
Shaun Flax
Graduated: 2012 After spending two and a half years in the Cognitive Science laboratory, Shaun is currently a first year doctoral candidate in the Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience program at American University. Website: http://www.american.edu/cas/psychology/psychopharmacology/members-flax.cfm Research:
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Sarah Barr
Graduated: 2011
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James Head Ph. D.
Graduated: 2009
Original Research:
Graduated: 2009
Original Research:
- Head, J., Shears, C., Neumann, E., & Helton, W. S. (2013). Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Text-Speak Processing, Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, xx-xxx.
- Head, J., Shears, C., Neumann, E., & Helton, W. S. (2013). Novel word processing. American Journal of Psychology, 126 (3), 323-333.
- Head, J. R., Neumann, E., Russell, P., Helton, W. S., Shears, C. (2013). New Zealand text-speak word norms and masked priming effects. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 42 (2)31-42
- Head, J., Helton, D, Neuman, E. Russell, P. and Shears, C. (2011)Text-speak processing. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society's Procedures. Cabral, J. and Shears, C. (2010). Are you aware? Context effects on emotional ratings. Psi Chi Journal of undergraduate research.