For the better part of a decade, I trained as a neuroscience and psychology researcher.

Using fMRI, rs-fcMRI, DTI, and experimental methods, I studied and worked with teams of researchers at Harvard University, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Oregon Health & Sciences University. My research training focused on emotion, decision-making, risk-taking, and development in the human brain while my scholarly studies focused on conceptual change and science in society. I have co-authored 10+ publications in leading academic journals and 25+ presentations at academic conferences.

Research & Scholarship Experience

A true democracy or democratic republic requires informed, engaged, and inspired communities. We need to remove the systemic, psychological, cultural, and practical barriers that the public faces in co-building more sustainable and equitable futures.

  • Affective Neuroscience & Development Lab

    2012-2017
    HARVARD UNIVERSITY

    Studying emotion & decision-making in the Affective Neuroscience & Development Lab at Harvard University.

  • Developmental Brain Imaging Lab

    2010-2012
    OHSU

    Researching risk-taking and cognition in the Developmental Brain Imaging Lab at OHSU.

  • Mind, Brain & Education

    2012-2016
    HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

    Studying the relationship between neuroscience and education, policy, and society at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

  • Brain Research & Society

    2009-2012
    PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

    Researching mindfulness and developing curriculum at the intersection of science & society at Portland State University.

 

Academic Publications

  • Nook, E.C., Stavish, C.M., Sasse, S.F., Lambert, H.K., Mair, P., McLaughlin, K.A., Somerville, LH. (2019). Emotion. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000609

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  • Weinberg, C., Gunther, K., Davidson, J., Grover, V., Sasse, S.F., Yang, A. (2019). Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 112(2), 89-92. https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saz005

  • Nook, E. C., Sasse, S. F., Lambert, H. K., McLaughlin, K. M., & Somerville, L. H. (2018). Psychological Science, 29(8), 1346-1357. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797618773357

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  • Somerville, L. H., Haddara, N., Sasse, S. F., Skwara, A. C., Moran, J. M., & Figner, B. (2018). Child Development, 0(0), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13081

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  • Nook, E.C., Sasse, S.F., Lambert, H.K., McLaughlin, K.A. Somerville, L.H. (2017). Nature Human Behavior, 1(12), 881-889. http://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0238-7

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  • Somerville L. H., Sasse S. F., Garrad M. C., Drysdale A. T., Abi Akar N., Insel C., & Wilson R. C. (2017). Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 146(2), 155-164. http://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000250

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For a complete list of academic research, including conference presentations and papers, click here.