My name is Sharee Light, and I am a clinical psychology graduate student in Dr. Richard Davidson's lab in the Department of Psychology. I'm interested in understanding the neurophysiological components of positive affect and empathy. I am currently working on 2 related projects: PRESAI I and PRESAI II.
The primary focus of the PRESAI studies is an examination of the effects of depressive symptomatology on positive valence empathy, along with an understanding of various correlations between the two. Positive valence empathy refers to the ability to vicariously share in another person's happiness, and in these studies, our depressive symptoms of interest are anhedonia (the lack of ability to experience pleasure) and rumination (negative and persistent attention to feelings and symptoms of depression). Furthermore, the study investigates correlations between positive valence empathy and other forms of positive emotion. Participants of PRESAI I fill out questionnaires, whereas participants of PRESAI II have their “brain waves" (i.e., EEG) recorded.
There are opportunities for students to participate in collecting EEG data and in data analysis. Responsibilities include analyzing behavioral data and analyzing EEG data, collecting data at the lab visits (i.e., as an experimenter), and performing literature searches and other related library work. I am looking for someone who is reliable, and who can make a commitment to stay for at least two semesters, preferably longer (9-20 hours/week).
You should have either work-study funding or be eligible for research credit (with a GPA or at least 3.0) in order to qualify for this position. Students have the opportunity to potentially work for $$ (starting rate is $6.95/hour) after working as a student hourly/credit for two semesters (not including summer). Some background in psychology and/or an interest in brain research are recommended.
If interested, email me (light@wisc.edu) to schedule an interview!