Main Undergrad Research (2011-2014)

Mechanisms supporting prioritized memory for self-relevant information with age

@Brandeis University

Aging and cognition (Gutchess Lab)

My primary undergraduate research investigated how memory and behavior change with age in Dr. Angela Gutchess’ Aging, Culture, and Cognition Lab at Brandeis University. I demonstrated that cognitive performance in older adults can be preserved if information is made socially valuable by presenting it in reference to the subjects or their communities. This challenged the established framework that working memory globally declines with age, as well as demonstrating a non-invasive way to enhance cognitive performance in older adults. My thesis was recognized by the Psychology Department with its highest research honor, the Ricardo Morant Undergraduate Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Breadth in Psychological Inquiry (2014).

Leshikar, E.D., Park, J.M., & Gutchess, A.H. (2015). Similarity to the self affects memory for impressions of others in younger and older adults. Journal of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences.

Even after graduation, I followed up on my undergraduate work and discovered that the ameliorating effects of referenced memories disappear in the nonsocial domain. This discovery is the focus of a manuscript that I am currently writing for a first author publication.

Park, J.M., Cassidy, B.S., & Gutchess, A.H. (in prep). Pattern of false recognition errors for traits but not actions is preserved with age.

Awards:

Ricardo Morant Undergraduate Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Breadth in Psychological Inquiry, 2014 – Brandeis University

L. Starling Reid Undergraduate Psychology Conference Travel Award, 2014 – University of Virginia

Provost’s Undergraduate Research Travel Award, 2014 – Brandeis University

Funding:

Provost’s Undergraduate Research Award, 2013-2014 – Brandeis University

Trustee Scholarship, 2010-2014 – Brandeis University