Beaty Lab at Penn State

Roger Beaty, PHD

My research seeks to understand how people think creatively. In our lab, we use brain imaging and behavioral experiments to examine neural and cognitive systems that support creative thinking. One line of research uses fMRI to characterize brain network dynamics during creative task performance. A goal of this work is to link brain activity during creative performance to specific cognitive processes (such as memory, attention, and cognitive control), using network analysis and multivariate modeling of fMRI data. We also combine brain imaging with neuromodulation (e.g., tES-fNIRS) to test causal questions regarding neurocognitive mechanisms of creativity, with the longer-term goal of understanding whether and how creativity can be enhanced. We study creativity in a variety of contexts and domains, including musical improvisation and scientific problem solving. We also develop open access resources to measure creativity for educators and researchers, using natural language processing and other computational tools.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Temple University, I earned my PhD in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), working with Paul Silvia. I completed my postdoctoral training in cognitive neuroscience at Harvard University, working with Daniel Schacter. I joined the Department of Psychology at Penn State University as an assistant professor in the Fall of 2018.

John D. Patterson, PhD

My research interests are centered on understanding how humans and machines acquire, represent, and generalize concepts—via behavioral, computational, and fMRI methodologies. I earned my B.S. in Psychology at Colorado State University and my Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at Binghamton University. Currently, my focus in the CNCL is on utilizing machine learning to understand and predict human creativity. 

Antonio Laverghetta Jr., PhD

My research seeks to bridge methods from Psychometrics and Cognitive Modeling with Artificial Intelligence (AI). I am broadly interested in how AI may be used to enhance measures of cognitive traits, and how to accurately measure equivalent traits in AI systems. I received my Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of South Florida in 2023, where my dissertation work focused on analyzing the validity and reliability of AI benchmarks of language understanding. Currently, my research with CNCL focuses on developing new AI-based assessments of human creativity.

HANNAH MERSEAL

I received a B.A. in Psychology and Music from Wheaton College in 2019, with concentrations in cognitive psychology and music theory. My M.S. is in Psychology from Penn State. My research interests include the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying different creative domains and experiences, including music improvisation, multilingualism, and multiculturalism. I am also passionate about building research fairness and equity using open and reproducible methods and using large-scale creativity studies to inform policy decisions in education and the workplace. 

Daniel Zeitlen

I received my B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of North Carolina Asheville, where I conducted research on the emotional processing of music. My research interests are focused on the interactions among emotion, creativity, and memory. I’m generally interested in studying how people think and behave in creative ways – including domain-specific expressions (e.g., creating music, art, or fiction) – as well as what cognitive or affective functions such creative abilities may serve.

Simone Luchini

I initially received my B.Sc. in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Westminster, where I conducted research on episodic memories and music psychology. I later pursued my M.Sc. in Applied Experimental Psychological Sciences at the University of Milano-Bicocca, studying the neural and cognitive underpinnings of linguistic phenomena. I spent time working in both the educational and clinical sector, with research duties across SNE schools and the Infancy & Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia. My primary research goal is to elucidate how creativity relates to linguistic networks and brain activity. I will then apply this knowledge to develop new strategies for the optimization of creative abilities. 

Clin Lai

I received a B.A. in Psychology from Yale-NUS College in 2018. My research interest is in understanding how individuals with varying expertise learn in challenging and suboptimal environments, including exploring how one can learn to be creative. Using this knowledge, I hope to inform educational practices and improve learning outcomes.

Paul DiStefano

I earned a B.S. in Integrative Neuroscience from Binghamton University and obtained my M.S. in Psychology at Penn State. My research is centered on understanding how humans represent and use information to be creative, employing behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational methods. I am particularly focused on the study of individual differences in cognition and creativity, as well as automated creativity assessments using large language models. My long-term goal is to bridge the gap between cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence to develop new ways to assess and enhance creative thinking.

I am a senior studying psychology and music. Specifically, I am interested in how we process music. After graduation I plan on continuing my education in grad school. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and playing the clarinet.

I’m a senior majoring in biomedical engineering, minoring in neuroscience, and pursuing a Smeal business certificate. I’ve been interested in cognitive neuroscience and learning about the inner workings of creativity, learning, and memory ever since I had a diffuse axonal injury when I was younger, and I’m hoping to continue studying cognitive neuroscience in graduate school. This summer, I completed an Erickson Discovery Grant project, where I investigated the semantic memory network structures of engineers with varying levels of experience. I also analyzed fMRI data from an emotional mental imagery study using machine learning methods while participating in an REU at the University of Florida. This year, I will be working on an FNIRS neurofeedback study for my honors thesis project. In my free time, I like to play sports with my friends and get outside as often as I can.

I’m a sophomore pursuing a Math and Neuroscience (Concentration Bio) double major. I like traveling to different countries and plan on having a few study abroad experiences by the time I graduate. In my free time I’m trying to learn guitar and love trying out new hobbies. After graduation I plan on continuing my studies in graduate school.

I am a junior at Penn State University Park, and I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in neuroscience, with a minor in psychology. I have been interested in neuroscience since I was a little girl, so I am so excited to be furthering my passions with laboratory experience. I plan on going to medical school after graduating. Outside of academia, I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching movies, going on runs, and reading.

I am a second-year student pursuing a major in biochemistry and a minor in philosophy. After my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending medical school. Outside of the world of academics, I love to hike, play chess, sing, and kayak. I look forward to participating in this lab and learning about the complexities of the mind! 

I am a third-year student pursuing dual major in Computer Science and Mathematics. I am also an entrepreneur, working on an AI driven speech enhancing application, which we expect to launch in the next year. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching movies, running, and napping. The relation between the brain and creativity has always intrigued me, and I am eager to learn more about it and do some exciting work in this lab.