Welcome to The Transmitter Blog! Our dedicated team of volunteers are creating short written pieces about current neuroscience research, advice for getting involved in research, and the overall university student experience.
Writing an Effective Cover Letter for Research Positions
Researchers often look for employees who have some research experience, interpersonal skills, technical skills (i.e., statistical/data analysis, coding), time and project management skills, and theoretical knowledge of and passion for the relevant research area.
How to Write An Effective Resume
Ladders Inc. conducted an eye-tracking study where they revealed that employers spend an average of 6 seconds reviewing a resume (Sanburn, 2012).
Neurosexism
Women were thought to be inferior to men, because the female brain was found to weigh less than the male brain in the 18th century (Rippon, 2016). Some neuroscientists argue sex differences in the brain arise from gender roles imposed on the young malleable mind, while others continue to assert they are biological (Fine, 2013).
Beauty, Art, and the Brain
The way we interpret art and how it makes us feel can be understood through the lens of neuroaesthetics. The brain's pleasure and reward system is activated using a chemical/neurotransmitter known as dopamine, which lets us know when we experience an aesthetically stimulating event (Thomson & Jacque, 2017).
The Neuroscience of Decision-Making
Every person likely makes a few hundred decisions a day, if not more. Whether it be deciding what to eat for dinner, to deciding which field of study to dedicate a large portion of one’s life to, people are always evaluating benefits and risks in different ways. This week’s blog post focuses on the intersection between neuroscience and economics, and how the synthesis of these fields can inform how we think.
The Complete Consciousness of You
Due to the wide variety of topics being discussed in neuroethics, researchers are primarily focusing on issues related to “pharmacological enhancement, brain interventions, neuroimaging, and free will” (Ienca, 2019). As we journey further into our minds, neuroethics will guide us towards advancements in civilization as well as understanding towards our own consciousness.
How to Make Effective Research Presentations
Researchers have found that using general PowerPoint bulleted methods for presenting research is less effective for the audience’s understanding compared to using the Assertion-Evidence approach, which utilizes visual aids and a deep understanding of relevant messages (Garner et al., 2013). Additionally, this method allows the presenter to know their information in-depth and best present it on the spot. (Garner et al., 2016).
The Hidden Biases in Scientific Research and Publication
One may assume that the transfer of knowledge from one source to another is a simple matter, however, research and publishing processes have various potential biases which can interfere with this process. Biases can occur within the authors themselves, the participants, or the publishing process, which can impact the validity of the research.
How to Dissect Research Articles
Reading research articles can be a frustrating task as it requires great practice and patience. This skill can take several years to be enhanced, but by reading this blog, you can get a head start on how to effectively interpret scholarly papers. This blog also provides helpful tips and resources to speed up your process in gaining access to and reading journal articles.
Discrimination and Fostering Inclusivity in Academia
A long history of discrimination and underrepresentation underlies modern-day science. With the past in mind, in her paper, titled “To See a Face Like Mine,” Dr. Esther Odekunle highlights steps we can take to counteract the discriminatory past and foster inclusivity within academia.
How to Write Cold Emails for Research Positions
Begin with an introduction of yourself that includes your name, year of study, university, and major. Next, state the purpose of your message and describe why you are a valuable candidate for the position. Describe how you were introduced to the professor’s research and specify your availability. Attach your resume and academic transcript. For more, check out our sample template!
Gaming and Cognition
As the popularity of and interest in video games have increased over the last four decades, so has the interest in the effects of video games on the brain. This week’s post will cover some of the latest research in this area of study, and where the field is expected to go from here.
Social Isolation and the Brain
Due to COVID-19, social isolation has increased the risk of mental illnesses and loneliness. In response to a short period of isolation, activity in brain regions such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra (SN) correlate with craving social interactions. This activation is similar to when individuals crave food after fasting for a few hours!
Studying Tips for Online Exams
Ever since COVID-19 emerged, university students have been struggling to transition to online classrooms, lectures, and exams. Research has shown that students who find it difficult to prepare for an upcoming exam tend to drown themselves in countless pages of lecture and reading notes. Use these tips instead!
