Principal Investigator
Dr. Anita Tusche – I have completed my PhD in Psychology in Berlin (Germany) and continued my research as a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Max-Planck-Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Germany) and at the California Institute of Technology (USA).
My research program is part of an exciting, newly emerging field called neuroeconomics. My ultimate goal is to build neurally informed computational models of human decision-making that explain differences in people’s choice behaviors (e.g. dietary choice, consumer choice, and altruism). To this end, my research and teaching draws on insights and methods from psychology, neuroscience (especially fMRI), and behavioral economics. To understand the mechanisms that drive differences in people’s decisions, I use computational models (e.g., multivariate pattern analyses routed in machine learning, drift-diffusion models) together with data collected in computer experiments, measurements of eye movements that indicate what people pay attention to, and functional and structural brain data. Download CV (PDF-File, ~250kB)
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Remi Janet – I obtained my Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience in Lyon (France), where I worked on social and dietary decision-making. I also have a background in physiology. I discovered cognitive neuroscience during my bachelor’s degree. I am fascinated by the neural substrates of social behavior and the mental processes related to attention and decision-making. Dysfunction in these processes can affect well-being and day-to-day functioning. This fact drives my motivation to understand the underlying processes better. I use neuroimaging techniques (fMRI and PET) to study decision-making, combined with computational modeling, psychological approaches, and virtual reality.
Graduate Students
Lisa Bas – I received degrees in Psychology from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium) and the University of Bern (Switzerland). In Switzerland, I worked as a research assistant investigating individual differences of peer influence on control-averse behavior and its underlying neural basis. As a PhD student in the Queen’s Neuroeconomics Lab, I focus on how attention influences people’s decisions, social interactions and thoughts.
Ruien Wang (Rain) – My interest in social neuroscience began in my undergraduate study of psychology. I was fascinated by the underlying neurocomputational process of human social cognition and behaviors in the real world. Dysfunction of these processes would influence social functioning and well-being. To probe these questions, multiple methods are adopted in my research, which include behavioral tasks, experience sampling, neuroimaging, and computational modeling.
Sarah Saju – I’m a first-year Psychology Master’s student at Queen’s. I did my undergrad in Neuroscience at the University of Alberta where I conducted research that looked at the impact of language on specific cognitive processes. My research interests lie in finding how different cognitive networks enable social behaviors. In my free time I like to (attempt) to draw, discover new music, or watch hour long reviews of tv shows I will probably never see.
Tavneen Sandhu – I received a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University in Neuroscience and Mental Health, with a minor in Psychology. My previous research focused on the effects of visual-mental imagery in cognitive tasks and how the presence of imagery impacts individual subliminal perception. For my master, I examine the cognitive-behavioural models that underlie human decision-making and perceptual processes using fMRI data and computational modelling.
Yijun Xu – I am a master’s student in Cognitive Neuroscience at Queen’s University, following a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with three minors in Philosophy, Management and Behavioral Science from McGill University. Before coming to Canada, I earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Technology in China and worked as an engineer, project manager, and human resources specialist for technology companies. During my undergraduate years, I discovered my academic interests and planned to pursue research in neuroscience and psychology. My master’s project studies sustainable food choices and how they are processed in the brain using fMRI, computational models, eye-tracking and behavioral tests. Fun fact: my first name literally means “a gentleman.”
Undergraduate Students
Andy Stokes-Noonan – I am a fifth-year undergraduate student with a major in Psychology and a minor in Music. I developed an interest in cognitive neuroscience in my third year here at Queen’s, and I enjoy learning about how social behaviours are represented in the brain. I am excited to complete my honours thesis in the Neuroeconomics Lab and learn about the neural processes that guide our decision-making. In my free time I am either reading, listening to a new album, or petting my cats.
Kiera Kenny – I am currently in my fourth year of an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology. I am simultaneously completing the Certificate in Business with Smith School of Business here at Queen’s. I recently developed a keen interest in behavioural economics, and have always been interested in the relationship between business/marketing and psychology. I am fascinated by human behaviour and why we make the choices and decisions we do. Aside from school, I have a huge passion for traveling, reading and spending time with friends and family. I am very excited to complete my honours thesis in the Neuroeconomics Lab this year!
Erin Lockett – I am currently in my third year of the Biology and Psychology specialization. I am beyond excited to be helping out in the Neuroeconomics Lab as I am very passionate about researching the brain and everything that it does. I am hoping to attend medical school in the future and specializing in neurology. In my free time, I love listening to music, going to plant nurseries, and reading Stephen King books!
Lucas Scarvelis – I am a second-year student at Queen’s University (BSc with Honours in the Biology and Psychology Specialization program). As a pre-med student, my interest lies in unravelling the mechanisms that underlie both mental and physical health. I strive to learn more about the intricate neurological dysfunctions contributing to compromised well-being. In my spare time, I enjoy weightlifting and jamming out on my electric guitar.
Georgia Brunicke – I am currently in my third year of my undergraduate degree, pursuing a major in Psychology. My research interests include the neuroscience behind decision making, how we choose between options, and how to promote and maintain proactive/healthy behaviours. Beyond the lab I am passionate about community service and enjoy spending my free time at the gym and with friends and family.
Naomie Chen – I am currently in my second year of studies at Queen’s University for Con-ed Psychology. My academic journey has cultivated a profound interest in the field of neuroscience, particularly within the realms of cognitive and behavioral psychology. By becoming a part of this team, I hope to gain insights and explore the various techniques used to measure human decision making and how that information is processed to achieve desired outcomes and benefit society.
Maya Mhaklai – I am a fifth-year undergraduate psychology student. My research interests are social and affective cognition, their neurophysiological underpinnings, and how they influence behaviour and decision making. After my undergraduate degree, I hope to study psychology research in grad school.
Alumni
John-Dennis Parsons (M.Sc.)
Kyra Safar (M.Sc., economics)
Rola Yaman (Honours Thesis)
Victoria Brassard-Monahan (Honours Thesis)
Rahul Patel (Honours Thesis)
Serena Geng (Honours Thesis)
Luke Bertolucci (Honours Thesis)
Alyssa Giovannangeli (Honours Thesis)
Sydney Rego (Honours Thesis)
Chenyang (Amy) Xiao (Directed Lab Student)
Zemen Raswork (Directed Lab Student)
Aryanna Rastan (Directed Lab Student)
Veronika Wendler (Directed Lab Student)
QUEEN'S NEUROECONOMICS LABORATORY 
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