People

Jeffrey D. Karpicke

Principal Investigator

I'm interested in all things related to the science of learning, education, and technology. Currently, our lab is pursuing research projects in the following areas:

Retrieval processes and retrieval-based learning
Development of computer-based learning tools
Complex learning, comprehension, and knowledge application
Learning and cognitive strategies in children
Metacognition and self-regulated learning

Michelle E. Coverdale

Postdoctoral Research Associate

I'm interested in the studying effects of choices on memory and in applying basic memory research to understaning and improving learning and memory in educational settings.

Jiaan Shang

Graduate Student

My research interest focuses on applying cognitive psychology to teaching and learning. More specifically, I’m interested in the effects of different learning strategies and criterion tasks on memory, mind-wandering and metacognition. Although my past research experience has been mainly in the field of reading comprehension, I’m interested in learning using a variety of materials and tasks.

Angela Pastrana

Research Labratory Manager

I aid in maintaining the lab's infrastructure and oversee its organization, creating an environment conducive to cognitive research. My work ensures the smooth operation of our facilities, allowing researchers to focus on their scientific inquiries. I also oversee another Purdue cognitive psychology lab, the GRID lab.

Ryan Leonard

Programmer

I am an undergraducate Computer Science student interested in learning new ways to build online tools that make people's lives easier. I will be working with the reseach team by helping build experiments and performing maintenence tasks.

Ananya Jajoo

Programmer

I am an undergraduate in Computer Science, helping maintain the website and supporting experiments. Interested in diverse applications of computer science across various fields, from app development to machine learning and beyond.

Shivanya Chandra

Programmer

I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, driven by a passion for exploring the latest advancements in technology. I am excited to contribute to the research team by assisting in new experiments and supporting various maintenance tasks, always eager to learn and grow with each opportunity

Vinathi Muthyala

Programmer

I am an undergraduate in Computer Science, passionate about developing tech for social impact. I am currently supporting the research team in conducting experiments while maintaining systems to optimize performance and drive innovation.

Lab Alumni

Garrett O'Day
Senior Manager, Research
Active Minds
Ph.D. Student (2016-2022)

Amedee Martella
Assistant Professor
University of Georgia
Ph.D. Student (2019-2022)

Caroline Byrd Hornburg
Assistant Professor
Virginia Tech
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2017-2019)

Robert Ariel
Associate Professor
Virginia Wesleyan University
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2015-2018)

William Aue
Research Psychologist
Air Force Research Laboratory
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2014-2018)

Joseph Bedwell
User Experience Researcher
Indeed.com
M.S. Student (2016-2018)

Ludmila Nunes
Senior Director for Science Knowledge and Expertise
American Psychological Association
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2013-2016)

Joshua Whiffen
Data Analytics Lead - User Experience
Genesys
M.S. Student (2012-2016)

Janell Blunt
Assistant Professor
Anderson University
Ph.D. Student (2011-2015)

Megan Sumeracki
Professor
Rhode Island College
Ph.D. Student (2011-2014)

Melissa Lehman
Associate Professor
Lynn University
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2011-2014)

Phillip Grimaldi
Senior Efficacy and Research Scientist
Khan Academy
Ph.D. Student (2008-2014)

Althea N. Kaminske
Senior Director of Student Academic Support and Achievement
Indiana University School of Medicine
Ph.D. Student (2008-2013)