Undergraduate Research Assistants
We are always looking for motivated undergraduate students who want to gain research experience. As a research assistant, you will gain marketable skills including, but not limited to: training in the use of data management, statistical packages (e.g., SPSS), and computer programming software such as Matlab, LabVIEW, and AFNI. Exceptional research assistants may have the opportunity to work with research participants and/or be offered paid positions over the summer. Weekly lab meetings are required of all research assistants and provide a forum to discuss current projects and relevant literature.
Due to the intensive training required to become a research assistant in the MCCN lab, we require a minimum 2-semester commitment and a cumulative GPA > 3.5. Preference is given to students who are obtaining credit for their research experience.
PhD Students
Dr. Neely is graduate faculty in Kinesiology, Neuroscience, and Bioengineering. Interested students should contact her directly. Minimum entrance criteria are GRE scores that fall higher than the 50th percentile and TOEFEL scores > 23. Ideal candidates should have a background in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, and/or computational modeling, an interest in neuroimaging techniques, and the ability to work well in teams.
Postdoctoral Research Associates
We have no openings for postdocs at this time.
Research Team
Principal Investigator
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Graduate Research AssistantsBoki Wang Undergraduate Honors StudentsNASA Student ScholarsEmily Krise High School StudentsUndergraduate Research AssistantsSamantha Blouch (Kines) |
Principal Investigator
Kristina A. Neely, PhD, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
I completed my PhD at the University of Western Ontario in 2010 and did my postdoc training at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Florida. I was an NIH NRSA postdoc fellow for the last year of my postdoc training. My research investigates how brain structure and function, cognitive ability, and personality traits influence the control of reaching and grasping movements. My work is particularly focused on brain structures such as the basal ganglia and the prefrontal cortex, which are involved in disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog, hiking, yoga, reading, and cooking.
Download Dr. Neely’s CV
Study Coordinators
I am a 2013 Penn State graduate with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in History. I am the Project Coordinator for our adult ADHD study. I am also a Project Coordinator in The Children’s Metabolic Kitchen and Eating Behavior Laboratory (PI: Dr. Kathleen Keller), where I oversee a new RO1 funded study on portion size determinations in relation to obesity and brain responses. I previously served as Project Coordinator for the Child Attention and Learning Lab (PI: Dr. Cynthia Huang-Pollock), where I coordinated the Child and Adult ADHD studies.
While attending Penn State, I completed a thesis as a member of the Schreyer Honors College (supervised by Dr. Cynthia Huang-Pollock) on emotion recognition in children with and without ADHD. I had the opportunity to assist young children in developing social skills as a Friendship Group Coach (supervised by Dr. Janet Welsh). I am a member of Phi Beta Kappa and served as THON Chair of Psi Chi. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and traveling to visit my now far-flung Penn State friends.
Graduate Research Assistants
I am a second-year Kinesiology graduate student in the area of motor control. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Tianjin University, where I developed a huge interest in neuroscience. I am interested in the neural mechanisms underlying cognition and movement. I love playing basketball, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.
I am a fourth-year student in the Child-Clinical Psychology doctoral program. I am interested in understanding how deficits in cognitive and perceptual processes are implicated in disruptive behavior disorders. I am particularly interested in the way computational modeling techniques (e.g., SEM, LPA, DDM) can be used to be understand psychopathology.
I am a first-year student in the Child-Clinical Psychology doctoral program and am conducting behavioral interviews on ADHD for the lab. I received my undergraduate degree from New York University, where I studied Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies.
I graduated from Penn State in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology (Neuroscience concentration). I plan to attend graduate school in pursuit of a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exercising, reading, watching TV, and playing sports.
Undergraduate Honor Students
I am a junior in Biomedical Engineering with a Biochemical concentration. I hope to attend medical school once I complete my Bachelor’s degree. I am Treasurer of the Global Medical Brigades and will be leading a brigade to Nicaragua this May. I also volunteer at the Mount Nittany Medical Center. In my free time I enjoy reading, running, being outside, and baking.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
I am a senior majoring in Kinesiology-Movement Science with the hopes of getting a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies after Penn State. Outside of academics I am the Fundraising Director for the Student Red Cross Club, I volunteer at a local Parkinson’s Support Group, and am a Certified Nursing Assistant. I enjoy spending time with family, cooking and eating healthy, staying active, crafting and singing.
I am a junior studying Kinesiology and hope to take the next steps towards becoming a Physician Assistant after graduation. I am also very involved in THON, and spend most of my remaining time with my Hospitality committee.
I am currently a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Economics. After graduation, I plan to plan to attend graduate school with the hopes of improving and furthering the development of prosthetics. I am a member of the Presidential Leadership Academy and the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE). Outside of class and lab I enjoy listening and creating music, watching basketball and playing FIFA.
I am a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering with a dual major in Mechanical Engineering. Outside of academics I am an active gymnast and serve as a THON chair to Club Gymnastics. I plan to attend medical school and want to currently pursue a career in prosthetic development or sports medicine and Orthopaedic surgery.
I am a junior majoring in Kinesiology with a Movement Science option. Following college I plan on attending Physical Therapy school to obtain a DPT. I am involved in the H&HD Alumni Mentoring Program, R&R committee for THON, Kinesiology Club and Pre-Physical Therapy Club. Outside of my school activities I enjoy playing basketball with friends, going on runs, and spending time with my family.
NASA Student Scholars
I am a sophomore studying Kinesiology, and I currently participate in the lab through the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium. After earning my undergraduate degree I plan to attend medical school and eventually complete a residency program in ophthalmology. I am a proud Dean’s List student, Vice president of the Optometry Club, Penn State Ski Team THON chair, Kinesiology Club member, and a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. I enjoy outdoor adventures, skydiving, hiking, skiing, playing softball, and spending time with my family.
I am a sophomore and intend on majoring in biomedical engineering. I am a member of the Women in Engineering Program and the Society of Women Engineers. After Penn State I plan to attend Medical School. In my spare time, I enjoy running, traveling, playing volleyball, and watching Netflix.
I am a first year undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering within the College of Engineering and Schreyer Honors College. I am also following a pre-medical tract in hopes of going to medical school to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon. I want to dedicate my career to engineering biomedical devices to facilitate cognition within patients who have neurological or psychological disorders. In my free time, I work as a Crew Leader for Redifer Dining Hall and stay active in the gym.
High School Students
I am a senior at State College Area High School and I work in the MCCN Lab through the Health Professions Fellowship. I am involved in SCAHS’s Drama program, orchestra, and HOSA club. I enjoy reading, hiking, baking, and traveling. After high school, I plan to pursue a degree in medicine or biological research.
I am a senior at State College Area High School working in the lab through the Health Professions Research Fellow. I am treasurer of State High’s Health Occupations Students of America club and also an avid runner. After graduating, I intend to pursue a degree in biological sciences and a career in medicine.