Pursuing the ‘why’ in neuroscience

EDITOR'S NOTE: Every year, hundreds of undergraduates at the University of Delaware dig into research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Such experiences provided by UD - a nationally recognized research university - can be life-changing, introducing young scholars to a new field of interest, perhaps even their future career path, as they uncover new knowledge. Our spotlights offer a glimpse into their world.

Getting into real research has helped University of Delaware senior Tiffany Lynch-Faulkner find a compelling focus for her future.

The senior psychology major from Wilmington, Delaware, has a neuroscience minor and has been studying speech-related social anxiety this summer with Evan Usler, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders. She is working in Usler's Interpersonal Neurophysiology Lab at UD's College of Health Sciences on the Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus.

Her research project includes analyzing electroencephalograms (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) measurements, which show changes in the brain's electrical activity in response to specific stimuli.

The work she is doing focuses on the brain's responses to odd and motivationally salient stimuli. Odd stimuli could be an unexpected sound, differing from previous sounds that were heard, Usler said, while motivationally salient stimuli offer different amounts of potential rewards to understand the intensity of a participant's motivation.

Learning the "why" behind these responses could help researchers better understand how the brain handles interruptions, which can affect a person's ability to communicate fluently.

Why did you want to pursue this - what intrigues you about the topic?

Lynch-Faulkner: Initially, I was interested in studying neurodegenerative diseases and I had my mind set on this. After meeting with Prof. Usler, I noticed I loved to help people and needed to expand the field I could choose as a career. I learned that I like to learn "why" things happen and dive in on a deeper level. This project allows me to not only help people, but to find answers at the neurological level.

Why does research like this matter?

Lynch-Faulkner: Research like this is important because people spend their lives studying EEGs [electroencephalograms] and ERPs [event-related potential] and never find an answer. My goal is to have an answer that could help generations to come.

What's the coolest thing about being involved in this project? Have you had any surprising or especially memorable experiences?

Lynch-Faulkner: The coolest thing about this project is learning how to read an EEG; knowing what an eye movement looks like, or noticing sweat gland activation by simply looking at squiggly lines has surprised me on what I am capable of learning.

Is there anything you've discovered about yourself and your career goals as you've worked on the project?

Lynch-Faulkner: Throughout this process, I have learned that my desire to do research as my career is a passion that will never die. I've learned that I genuinely enjoy learning, and this project is just the beginning.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Lynch-Faulkner: As ironic as this may sound, I enjoy working in my spare time. I am a server, and I am able to meet so many different people on a daily basis while building connections with these people. Learning how to read people as well as learning about different backgrounds and experiences allow me to not only expand my research but have a better understanding of the "why."