Author: Crystal Mills

Cognitive Science Travel Award Application Open!

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by Crystal Mills

The Cognitive Science Program is excited to announce that it will be continuing the Cognitive Science Travel Award Program for another year!

The Cognitive Science Program’s mission is to prepare students to tackle global and multicultural challenges. Experiences abroad are vital to this preparation. Yet students majoring in Cognitive Science and related-STEM fields are generally less likely to participate in study abroad programs than other students.

These awards are available to UConn undergraduate students majoring or minoring in Cognitive Science or, students strongly considering the major/minor in the future. Priority will be given to students attending the Interdisciplinary Ethnography Field Summer School in Mauritius, the Neuroscience Study Abroad Summer Program in Salamanca, Spain, and UConn Brain & Behavior in Tel Aviv, Israel. All program details can be found on the Experiential Global Learning webpage. Courses taken through these summer programs can be counted as elective credits towards the Cognitive Science degree. This program will also support students traveling domestically or internationally to conferences, workshops, and meetings. Students planning to travel internationally will be eligible to apply for up to $2,000 and $1,000 for domestic travel. Any travel costs in excess of the allotment would be the responsibility of the recipient. The Cognitive Science Program is willing to review other international and domestic travel scenarios on a case-by-case basis.

Deadline: This award program operates with a rolling deadline. Once funds are exhausted, the application will close. While students can apply at any time, travel awards will be contingent on (a) applying and being accepted into a study abroad program and (b) sharing an official acceptance notification with us.

Priority consideration will be given to students who (1) are members of a group that is underrepresented at the University of Connecticut; or (2) have overcome obstacles such as socioeconomic, educational, or other societal disadvantages (arising, for example, through prejudice and/or discrimination); or (3) have worked with such groups to help overcome these or other obstacles.

Questions regarding the Cognitive Science Study Abroad Travel Award Program may be sent to cogsci@uconn.edu.

Please visit the Study Abroad Travel webpage for more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Duolingo is hiring a language researcher!

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Crystal Mills

Duolingo is hiring a language researcher to join Duolingo’s Efficacy Research Lab, which focuses on measuring the effectiveness of Duolingo’s courses and informing improvements to the learning experience.

Requirements:
– Skilled in statistics, data analysis and visualization, Python/R/SQL or other tools for handling large datasets
– PhD in linguistics, applied linguistics, cognitive science, or a related field
– Ability to work from or relocate to Pittsburgh, PA, USA (no remote option)

To learn more and apply: https://careers.duolingo.com/jobs/7690922002

Reminder: IBACS Undergraduate Research Supply Awards

Posted on October 22, 2024 by Crystal Mills

IBACS is happy to announce another year of the undergraduate research supply awards! Please share with the undergraduate students in your labs.

This award provides funding for undergraduate students conducting an independent research project consistent with the Institute’s mission. Students can apply for awards of up to $1,000.

Open to: Undergraduate students working with an IBACS-affiliated faculty member . Recipients cannot apply for another grant within the same academic year, however, are eligible for the summer research grant program, provided that they are still a UConn student at the time.

Key Application Dates: opens on August 26, 2024. The fall deadline is September 16, 2024; spring deadline is February 4, 2025.

Application Link: https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/ibacs_undergraduate_research_supply_award_-_fall_2024spring_2025

Applicants must fill out the online application, and also submit via the online application, a relatively short research plan (maximum of 6,000 characters, approximately 3 pages). The funding is meant to defray the research-related costs such as materials & supplies, software, animal or participant-related costs. The budget should reflect these expenditures.

The IBACS undergraduate award academic year applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:

The project description is well written and clearly explains the project.
The project clearly focuses on a research area associated with the IBACS mission.
The budget is itemized, appropriate to the project described, and reports the total cost of the project (even if it exceeds the funding requested).
The faculty advisor is familiar with the student’s project and rates the student’s work to date highly.
The student and his/her project meet the eligibility criteria.
The student has secured research compliance approval(s) if necessary for the project. No award will be issued until documentation of approval(s) is received.

Please visit the award webpage for more information and contact our Institute Coordinator, Crystal Mills at crystal.mills@uconn.edu or (860) 486-4937 if you have any questions.

COGS, ECOM & SLHS Talk on 11/8: Dr. Viorica Marian

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Crystal Mills

COGS, ECOM & SLHS Talk on 11/8: Dr. Viorica Marian

Date/Time: Friday, 11/8/24 from 4:00pm – 5:30pm EST

Location: McHugh Hall 202

Bio: Viorica Marian is a cognitive scientist at Northwestern University, where she is the Sundin Endowed Professor and Director of the Bilingualism Lab. She studies the relationship between language and mind, with a focus on the psycholinguistics of bilingualism and multilingualism. Dr. Marian received her PhD in Psychology from Cornell University and previously served as Chair of the National Institutes of Health Study Section on Language and Communication and as Chair of the Northwestern Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is the recipient of the American Association for the Advancement of Science John McGovern Award, The Psychonomic Society Mid-Career Award, the Clarence Simon Award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring, and the Editor’s Award for best paper from JSLHR. Marian’s new popular science book “The Power of Language” is being translated into 12 languages and counting.

Talk Title: The Power of Language: How the Codes We Use to Think, Speak, and Live Transform Our Minds

Abstract: Bilingualism and multilingualism have profound consequences for individuals and societies. Learning multiple languages changes not only how we use language, but also how we perceive the world, what we remember, how we learn, our creativity, decision making, and identity. I will present eye-tracking, mouse-tracking, and neuroimaging evidence showing that multiple languages continuously interact in the mind. I will conclude with a call for placing the study of language-mind interaction and multilingualism among the core areas of scientific investigation if we are to gain an accurate understanding of humanity’s potential.

Meetings: If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Marian during the day or attending dinner in the evening on Friday, please email crystal.mills@uconn.edu.

Flyer is attached for posting. Please email Crystal if you have questions.

COGS & ECOM Talk on 4/19: Dr. Psyche Loui

Posted on April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 by Crystal Mills

COGS and ECOM are excited to announce a joint talk on 4/19 by Dr. Psyche Loui from Northeastern University. Psyche Loui, PhD, is a psychology and neuroscience researcher, a musician, Associate Professor of Creativity and Creative Practice at Northeastern University, and Director of the Music, Imaging, and Neural Dynamics Laboratory (MIND Lab).

Date/Time: Friday, 4/19/24 from 4:00pm – 5:30pm Eastern Standard Time

In-Person Location: McHugh Hall 305

Zoom Option: https://uconn-edu.zoom.us/j/97306159796?pwd=ZHI1NTh1R1dPZTdYNS95U3hnN2QyZz09

Meeting ID: 973 0615 9796 Passcode: 391851

Talk Title: The Sciences of New Musical Systems, and Their Implications for Brain Health

Abstract: Music is one of life’s greatest pleasures. While abundant evidence points to the role of predictability (i.e. the knowledge of what comes next) in the experience of pleasure, little is known about how predictable musical features (e.g. melody, harmony, rhythm) come to be rewarding. I will present new work in my lab on behavioral and neuroimaging studies of the relationship between musical predictions and their reward value. Our behavioral studies test whether and how it is possible to acquire reward value solely from newly-formed predictions, by exposing participants to novel, acoustically-controlled musical stimuli with different statistical properties without extrinsic paired rewards. Our neuroimaging studies capitalize on activity of the dopaminergic reward system, and its connectivity to the auditory system, to test for individual differences in reward sensitivity from music. Results show that this reward sensitivity is robust but malleable (i.e. both a state and a trait), and lies at the heart of both active and receptive music-based interventions for a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders.

Meetings: If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Loui during the day or attending dinner in the evening, please email crystal.mills@uconn.edu.

Industry Job Opening – Cognitive Data Scientist

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Crystal Mills

Kairos Research (https://kairosresearch.com) is a young and dynamic company based in Dayton, OH, conducting research at the intersection of human and machine cognition. We currently have an opening for a full-time Cognitive Data Scientist to help execute and grow our expanding portfolio of government-sponsored research in the human sciences. The Cognitive Data Scientist will play a major role in supporting our human performance data modeling and data analytics efforts with the Air Force Research Laboratory, as well as other projects that involve extracting insights from a wide variety of physiological and cognitive datasets (ranging from wearable sensors data to cognitive and behavioral performance data).

The ideal candidate is a highly creative, self-motivated individual who possesses a deep understanding of leading-edge techniques in data science, statistical modeling, and/or machine learning. Candidates who have experience working with hidden Markov models (HMMs) – in particular, experience using HMMs to model a user’s cognitive state (e.g., workload, fatigue, stress, attention) – are especially of interest. The candidate should also possess a strong publication record and a willingness and ability to seek independent research funding. Additionally, because Kairos is a small company with a highly collaborative work culture, we especially seek candidates who are outgoing and enjoy interacting with their colleagues and with our government sponsors.

Other recent Kairos projects span topics such as explainable AI, trust in automation, human-robot interaction, the cognitive science of intelligence analysis, and the identification and tracking of influence narratives on social media. In addition to the Air Force, our current and past sponsors include organizations such as DARPA, IARPA, the Office of Naval Research, the Army SBIR Program, the National Institutes of Health, and Special Operations Command. [Note that prior experience working on projects funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and/or related to national security is a strong plus but is not required for this position.]

NOTE: This is a great opportunity for an academic research scientist who is seeking a career change but who wants to continue pursuing original research!

JOB LOCATION: Dayton, OH

REQUIRED:
1. US citizenship or green card.
2. PhD in Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Neuroscience, Social-Behavioral Sciences, Human Factors, or related discipline (the specific field of study is less important than the candidate’s experience and skills).
3. Experience with advanced regression techniques, including hierarchical models, nonlinear models, multivariate (i.e., multiple outcomes) models, mixture models, and ensemble models—all in the context of a variety of outcome types (e.g., binary choices, Likert ratings, response times, etc.).

4. 3+ years research experience (includes postdoctoral research).
5. Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
6. A highly collaborative mindset.

PREFERRED:
1. Familiarity and experience with methods for analyzing noisy, high-dimensional data, including various dimensionality reduction methods (PCA, t-SNE, etc.).

2. Familiarity with contemporary machine learning techniques, including deep neural networks, especially as applied to natural language processing.

3. Experience leading and/or contributing substantially to successful research proposals (need not be defense-related; could include NSF, NIH, etc.).

CONTACT:
Interested candidates should email their CV/resume to Dr. Louis Marti (louis@kairosresearch.com) cc: techadmin@kairosresearch.com

11/10 COGS & SLHS Colloquium: Dr. Samuel Mathias

Posted on October 20, 2023October 20, 2023 by Crystal Mills

The Cognitive Science Program and the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Department are co-hosting a talk on 11/10!

Speaker: Dr. Samuel Mathias, Professor of Psychology from the Department of Psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School

Time & Location: 4PM, Friday November 10, 2023, in McHugh Hall Room 206

Talk Title: “Genetic and environmental influences on hearing, cocktail-party listening, and cognition”

Abstract: Everyday hearing requires solving the cocktail-party problem, or segregating and attending to the relevant parts of complex auditory scenes. There are huge individual differences in cocktail-party listening abilities. People with clinical hearing loss generally struggle with cocktail-party listening due to impaired basic auditory sensitivity; however, others experience similar difficulties despite having “normal” sensitivity. Conventional wisdom says that such individual differences are due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although the specific factors and their relative weights are poorly understood. This talk will describe preliminary work and future plans to identify specific genetic and environmental factors influencing hearing abilities, including basic auditory sensitivity and cocktail-party listening. We will also discuss how these abilities relate to cognition, with a view towards leveraging these relationships to better understand the distinct and shared etiologies of presbycusis, cognitive decline, and dementia.

Meetings: If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Mathias during the day before his talk or in dinner on Friday evening, please email Crystal: crystal.mills@uconn.edu. Thank you!

Two COGS Undergraduate Course Offerings in Fall 2023

Posted on July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 by Crystal Mills

We are pleased to announce TWO undergraduate course offerings from The Cognitive Science Program in Fall 2023. Seats are filling up quickly so sign up soon!

Coding for Cognitive Science

Course Name: COGS 2500Q: Coding for Cognitive Science

Days and times: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:30am – 10:45am

Classroom: Oak 308

Instructor: Dr. Stefan Kaufmann

Instruction mode: Hybrid Limited

Prerequisites: None

Course overview: This course is an introduction to computer programming for students with little or no prior programming experience. Its goal is to familiarize students with core concepts and essential skills, with special emphasis on typical tasks and applications in the Cognitive Sciences. We use the Python programming language because it is both accessible to beginners and widely used in real-world scientific programming. However, the concepts and skills we cover are helpful in mastering other programming languages as well.

Language & Racism

Course Name: COGS 2345/AFRA 2345: Language and Racism

Days and times: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12:30pm – 1:45pm

Classroom: Arjona 105

Instructors: Drs. Letitia Naigles & Bede Agocha

Instruction Mode: In-Person

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. Recommended preparation: One course in AFRA or COGS.

Description: This course examines the relationships between language use, both historically and across the lifespan, and the social construction of race, racism, and racial identity, with particular emphasis on racial politics in the United States.

Course overview: LANGUAGE plays an immense, though often underrated role in nearly every domain of students’ lives, including where they live, who they love, what they learn, and whether and how they get and keep a job. Relatedly, then, language can also prevent all of the above. Language is a vehicle of racism because the language used by those in the majority or in power is artfully constructed to categorize people according to race and to place groups in deeply hierarchical relationships to one another.

Our course on Language and Racism deploys tools of the cognitive and psychological sciences to both illuminate and illustrate potential interventions for language racism.

We examine the linguistics and sociolinguistics of the language(s) used by Black communities in the U.S., including their origins, creolization, complex linguistic structure, and issues of stigma versus pride.
We examine the language of racism, including the types of discourse that construct Whiteness as dominant over Color, the processes of language standardization, and the ideologies of language and their interaction with group identity at both the local and national community levels.
We consider antiracism interventions that are language-based.
The course is project-based, with students learning to understand how language is used in their various social contexts as well as in contexts they can access via stored content. Students will learn to analyze their own and others’, famous and commonplace, racist and antiracist linguistic output/texts, using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) computational tool, which analyzes texts as manifesting properties such as anger, authority, in-group, out-group, and fairness.

UConn in Tel Aviv Summer Study Abroad Program

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Crystal Mills

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COGS, IBACS & BIRC Colloquium: Dr. John Hale on 2/18

Posted on February 10, 2022April 6, 2022 by Crystal Mills

Please join us virtually on 2/18 for John Hale’s talk co-sponsored by the Cognitive Science Program. IBACS, and BIRC. Registration in advance is required. Details are below:

Speaker: John Hale, Department of Linguistics, University of Georgia

Time: 4pm, Friday, February 18, 2022

Talk Title: Grammar, Incrementality and fMRI Timecourse

Abstract: What is the physical basis of human language comprehension? What sort of computation makes a stream of words come together, one after another, to yield a communicative or literary experience? This question sets up a scientific challenge for the brain and cognitive sciences. With functional neuroimaging, it is possible to extract a timecourse of brain activity from particular regions and ask how well alternative (psycho)linguistic theories account for the measured signal. This can be done over prolonged periods of time, for instance during the spoken recitation of a literary text. On the basis of such timecourses, this talk argues that our conceptualization of grammar should go beyond simple word-sequences and naive phrase structure. It presents an incremental parsing strategy that is more consistent with neuroimaging data than the simple ones presented in books like Hale (2014). The overall methodology can serve as a positive example of how brain data, syntactic theory and parsing algorithms may productively co-constrain one another.

Bio: John Hale, the Arch Professor of World Languages and Cultures at the University of Georgia, is a professor in the Department of Linguistics at UGA. A computational linguist, he has made significant contributions to the theory of sentence processing over the past two decades and is the author of a valued textbook in the field (Automaton Theories of Human Sentence Comprehension, 2014). Strongly committed to cultivating the vital and also changing character of intellectual pursuit in current times, Professor Hale collaborates with DeepMind and has been active in promoting interaction between industry and academia as a way of getting to the bottom of questions about the nature of mind.

Zoom Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvfuyrqDItG92U2pqStUoZe77wc0hO4owu

Meeting opportunities: John will be available during the day of his talk (Feb 18) and also during part of the preceding day for individual or small-group meetings on Zoom. Please contact whitney.tabor@uconn.edu if you are interested in meeting with John.