Welcome to the CPL page!
In the lab we use EEG (electroencephalography) to broadly study processes of emotion, attention, as well as cognitive processes of anticipation, uncertainty and mindfulness. We also record heart rate data (EKG) such as heart rate reactivity and variability to examine autonomic responses of cognitive functioning. Eye blink startle responses are also recorded to capture defensive reactivity during threat scenarios. As part of these studies, we are collecting behavioral data on trait mindfulness and intolerance of uncertainty, to further explore these topics.
We are currently running three major projects that are internally funded:
Assessing individual differences in emotional learning
utilizing both aversive and appetitive, discriminant conditioning
recording EEG and EKG
assessing biomarkers of threat anticipation
Predictors in dynamic shifts of attention
utilizing attention tasks
recording EEG and EKG
assessing attentional and cognitive dynamics during deep breathing
Psychophysiology of fear of cancer recurrence
utilizing imagery paradigm and a threat uncertainty task
recruiting breast cancer survivors
recording EEG and startle
assessing threat uncertainty as it relates to fear of cancer recurrence
Check out our awesome undergraduate research assistants below!
Research Assistants
Sebastian Giarratana
Sebastian is a senior at the University of Tampa, majoring in Psychology (B.S.) as a pre-med student, with a graduation date of Spring 2024.
With a passion for neuropsychiatry, he plans to attend medical school after his bachelor's to become a specialist in the field. Sebastian's research interests involve neuropsychiatry, neuroscience, and functional medicine, with a specific focus on various topics related to the gut-brain axis and how the microbiota can impact overall human health. Outside academics, he enjoys cooking, reading, meditating, and exercising.
Contact: sebastian.giarratana@spartans.ut.edu
Madysen
Barnes
Madysen is a senior at the University of Tampa, majoring in Psychology (B.S.) with a graduation date of Spring 2024.
I am a swimmer student athlete with a passion for Clinical psychology specifically clinical neuropsychology. I find the areas of traumatic brain injury and seizures most fascinating and how they can create such cascading effects on an individual. I plan on attending a clinical masters program and/as well as a clinical PhD program to follow my undergraduate studies. Outside of swimming and psychology I have a knack for cooking, baking, spending time in nature and knitting.
Contact: madysen.barnes@spartans.ut.edu
Constanza Legarreta
Constanza is a junior at the University of Tampa, majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with a graduation date of Spring 2025.
Some of my interests in the field of Psychology include Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Neuroscience. I plan on attending a Clinical PhD program after graduating at the University of Tampa. Neuroscience has given me a unique and eclectic approach to my overall education and understanding of Psychology. The development of the brain and the way it differs in each person is fascinating. Combined with my clinical and developmental interests, understanding the brain has proven to be indispensable for me and the holistic approach that I hope to develop.
Contact: c.legarretarodriguez@spartans.ut.edu
Erin Hall
Erin is a junior at the Univeresity of Tampa, majoring in Biology (B.S.) with a graduation date of Spring 2025.
Psychology and the human mind have always been fascinating to me. As I further my education, I find myself increasingly interested in the biopsychology aspect and learning about how the brain and nervous system affect our behavior. After graduation, I hope to continue research in this field by continuing in a graduate program. I particularly want to explore research in neurodegenerative diseases and/or examining traumatic brain injuries post grad.
Contact: erin.hall@spartans.ut.edu