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Nielsen Lab

Research Themes

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Color‑coded brain map showing regions highlighted for different neural activity patterns.

Specialized Brain Networks


We study how specialized brain networks support cognitive processes, such as language and visuospatial attention.
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Drawing of branching neurons with long, tree‑like dendrites on a tan background.

Brain Disorders


We investigate how the organization of the brain is disrupted as a result of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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MRI brain images with outlined cortical folds and a zoomed‑in view highlighting gyral boundaries.

Change in Brain Structure


We develop methods for measuring subtle changes in brain structure over time due to development skill acquisition, and brain disorders.
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Current Projects

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Autism Hemispheric Specialization

Using data from across the world, our team explores the relationship between hemispheric lateralization in the brain and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We hope to further understanding of these functionality maps both on a Indvidual and Group level basis.
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ADHD and Social Media

We explore impact that short video social media use has on sustained attention and episodic memory in individuals with ADHD as well as neurotypical control.
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Lesion Network Mapping

We identify the underlying neural circuits of varying behavioral phenotypes resulting from brain injury. 
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Scrupulosity

We use fMRI to investigate task-based and resting-state neural differences between individuals with scrupulosity and healthy controls.
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Young Adult Health and Mental Health

We investigate the mental wellbeing of neurodiverse young adults, including those with autism and social anxiety, by exploring factors like sleep, mood, phone usage, spirituality, and suicidal thoughts.
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Spirituality

We are interested in understanding the neural correlates and networks that support various religious, spiritual, and mystical experiences. As we start data collection, we are attempting to localize brain activation areas during spiritual experiences using fMRI scans. 
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Conference Abstracts and Conference Posters

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Social Connection as a Protective Factor against Suicidality for individuals with ASD and Social Anxiety

2023
UCUR
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Physical Activity is Associated with Suicidal Thoughts in Autistic and Socially Anxious Individuals

2023
Mary Lou Fulton
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Estimating Hemispheric Specialization in Neurotypical Adults: A Replication of Wang et al. (2014)

2023
Mary Lou Fulton
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Does talking about suicidality help reduce suicide among a sample with ASD and Social Anxiety?

February 13, 2024 09:15 PM
2024
UCUR and NCUR
4 Min Read
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Fun Times in the Lab

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Student balancing on a motion platform while another person records data in a classroom
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Group standing beside an MRI scanner in a research facility.
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Group of students standing together in a classroom for a group photo.
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Instructor presenting brain‑imaging slides to students seated in a classroom.
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Student balancing on a motion platform while others observe in a classroom lab.
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Instructor showing brain‑imaging graphics on a computer to a group of students.
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Student standing beside a research poster on opioid‑use‑disorder treatment outcomes.
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Two students discussing a research poster at a conference.
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Student standing beside a poster on neural networks involved in acalculia.
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