Rick Betzel, Principal Investigator

Office: Psychology Building, Room 347

Email: rbetzel [at] indiana [dot] edu

Personal website | Google scholar

Youngheun Jo, PhD Student (PBS and CogSci)

I am invested in researching brain networks based on structural and functional connectivity. In detail, my research passion lies in understanding the individual brain's network characteristics, higher-order brain interactions, and how brain networks change throughout development. Also, I am interested in improving analysis pipelines and applying/developing new network science tools and ideas. In my free time, I enjoy family time, playing badminton, and making art.

Personal website | Google scholar

Haily Merritt, PhD Student (CogSci and SICE)

I completed my undergrad here at IU in 2018 with degrees in Cognitive Science, Linguistics, and Central Eurasian Studies. I managed a social neuroecology lab at Cornell University before returning to IU for a dual PhD in Cognitive Science and Complex Networks & Systems. In the BNBL, I'm really interested in how functional connectivity dynamics in the brain give rise to cognitive capacities and how the (social) environment influences patterns in functional connectivity. Outside the lab, I love reading, being in nature, and making art.

Personal website | Google scholar

Jacob Tanner, PhD Student (CogSci and SICE)

My primary research interest is human intelligence.  This involves asking questions of the following sort: How does the human brain quickly and efficiently understand and predict its environment, and more importantly, how does it successfully manipulate it? Specifically, I plan to interrogate the brain using the tools of network science, dynamical systems, Bayesian probability, and information theory in order to put flesh on theories regarding the functioning of working memory, task automation, and predictive processing.  In my free time, I enjoy making music and reading.

Personal website | Google scholar

Vibin Parakkattu, PhD Student (CogSci and PBS, Clinical Science track)

Over the course of my career, I aim to contribute towards improved noninvasive diagnostics and treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/ Psychology (valedictorian) from SUNY Stony Brook University and my Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of settings, including healthcare, the medical device industry, and academic research. I have studied and worked in a variety of fields as well: bioengineering management, scientific/technical marketing, neuro-electrophysiology, patient safety, clinical neuroscience, neurobiology, and social psychology. I hope to leverage my diverse experiences as I explore psychopathology using tools from control theory and network neuroscience for my dissertation research. Outside of lab, I enjoy making gourmet ice cream and practicing bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. 

Reese Barker, Undergraduate (Major: Neuroscience, Minors: Chemistry, Medical Anthropology)

I'm a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience on a Pre-Med track with an interest in both medicine and research across various fields. During my time at IU, I plan to study how neuroscience, chemistry, and anthropology are interconnected, as this will inform my post-undergraduate plans. In the BNBL, I'm currently focusing on substance use and functional connectivity. As I progress in my research, I aim to explore this relationship further by considering additional variables. My interest in exploring substance use stems from my time working as a Pharmacy Technician. Outside of the lab I enjoy cooking and spending time with my dogs.