Alejandro Gili
Head Lab Director
Hello! As a Lab Director, I oversee the hard work of other lab directors and assist them in any part of their roles that they may need help with. I answer inquiries regarding the IRB (Institutional Review Board) or IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) processes, or any of the software we use to develop our experiments. I coordinate attendance at conferences in and out of state. I also participate in interviews and ensure mid-semester check-ins with other lab directors. Lastly, serving as a mentor and responding to inquiries and concerns from lab members is a continuous responsibility that I take very seriously.
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In my research, I explore the role of the PMFC in our brain and how it affects self-enhancement and biases certain behaviors. In optogenetics, I explore drosophila m. behavior after conditioning.
Athenia Ibragimov
Lab Director-Research Advisor
I coordinate and manage introductory orientations for ERP and mid-semester check-ins to ensure that all members are aligned with the lab's goals and objectives. A critical aspect of my role is to ensure that members properly cite research, which involves ensuring that CITI training is complete and that ResearchGate accounts are set up. I also assist with responding to inquiries about programs used in the lab, such as Testable, Endnote, and Qualtrics. Additionally, I help lab members with scholarships and applications to ensure that they have the necessary support to progress in their academic and professional careers. As previously mentioned, I assist with participant recruitment, a crucial task for the success of our studies. Lastly, I serve as a mentor and respond to inquiries and concerns from lab members, making sure that everyone feels supported and empowered in their roles.
Maria Ferrol
Lab Director-Project Manager
My duties include participant scheduling and managing Calendly to ensure that all appointments and meetings are organized efficiently. I am responsible for creating timelines and deadlines for studies, which is crucial for ensuring project progression. Weekly progress check-ins are conducted to monitor the status of the projects and to make sure that everyone sticks with the decided project's timeline. Additionally, I am always available to listen to project ideas and answer any project-related questions. For all directors, I assist with participant recruitment, a vital task for the successful completion of our studies. Similarly to my other roles, I serve as a mentor and respond to inquiries and concerns from lab members, ensuring that everyone feels supported and heard in their roles.
Sydney Ash
Lab Director-Projects
As part of my responsibilities, I send a bi-weekly newsletter with upcoming events and general information/updates. Budgeting and funding are crucial parts of the role, and I am also involved in fundraising activities. I assist the Membership Director with interviews and mid-semester check-ins. Serving as a mentor, I respond to inquiries and concerns from lab members. Furthermore, I manage the social media presence of the lab, ensuring that our work and updates are communicated effectively to the public.
Our Adventures
Not only do we spend time together researching topics about the self, but we also like to explore and learn more about ourselves!
Good times, and good costumes! CogneuroLab Annual Halloween Party was terrific!
We presented 3 posters at NEPA's 63rd Annual Conference in Worcester, MA
The Lab Skydive! Yes, we all jumped!
We love good food and creating meaningful experiences!
The Cognitive Neuroimaging Lab at Sense to Synapse is a bustling hub of activity and innovation. Here are some of the local high school students that work in the lab, showcasing the lab's commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists. These bright young minds work alongside graduate and undergraduate students, creating a collaborative and dynamic environment that encourages learning and growth for all. The mix of different education levels promotes a culture of mentorship, where the more experienced students can guide and support the younger ones. Together, they engage in cutting-edge research, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to explore the mysteries of the human brain. The lab is a space where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is shared, and the future of cognitive neuroscience is being shaped.
Numerous alumni hold advanced degrees such as PhDs and MDs, while many others are in the process of completing their academic journey. Some have ventured into clinical roles, academia, or the corporate world. To contact any of our former students, please reach out via email to the lab as, with a network of over a hundred alumni, it is impractical to maintain an up-to-date list of current emails on our website. Our alumni network is vast and diverse, representing a wide array of talents and expertise. They are making significant contributions to their respective fields, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.