Neurocognitive Lab
Landmark College opened a Neurocognitive Laboratory (“Neurocog Lab”) in Fall 2020 as a unique space for research and research initiatives in the field of neurodiversity. The Neurocog Lab fosters an expanding culture of research at Landmark College. It is a space where neurodiverse students can engage in participatory research as research assistants and apprentices working alongside nationally-renowned researchers from the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT) and the campus community at large. See below for more information about the Neurocog Lab space, activities, and initiatives.
What is Participatory Research?
Participatory designs allow us to actively engage all stakeholders, particularly students, in all elements of the research process. While LCIRT will continue to engage in discovery research involving biomarkers of learning, our emphasis is shifting towards more applied research.
Signature Initiative: Research Mentorship Program for Students
The Neurocog Lab will launch its signature program, namely, the Research Mentorship Program, for students in Fall 2021. This program will offer Landmark College students authentic research experiences in the educational, psychological, and social sciences. A select group of students will be recruited with faculty and advisor input for participation. As part of this program, students will meet with LCIRT researchers to conceptualize, design, implement, and write reports on an authentic research project within an academic year. Examples of potential research studies include evaluations of Landmark College programs, the development of research hypotheses to be tested, creation of surveys and survey studies, testing of psychological phenomena, and so on.
The research mentorship program includes experiences such as:
- Conducting literature searches
- Completing research ethics compliance certification (CITI)
- Developing an IRB proposal
- Developing assessment protocol
- Analyzing data
- Producing written reports, posters, conference presentations, and other methods of disseminating findings
Participation Outcomes
Weekly research team meetings are held in the Neurocog Lab to monitor progress and to engage in discussions about the research. At the conclusion of each semester, students will have:
- Learned about ethics in research
- Developed research skills
- Engaged in experiences and skills that they can add to their resume
Read about one of our projects involving Landmark College students and design of educational virtual reality games.
Learn more about our ongoing research projects.
Have questions or want to learn more?
Contact our Senior Director, Dr. Rick Bryck at: [email protected].