I’m Paul Dassonville, Associate Professor in the University of Oregon Department of Psychology and the Institute of Neuroscience (with a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University, and a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA). The research of my lab focuses on visual perception, in an attempt to understand the brain mechanisms that allow us to perceive the world around us, so that we can reach out and grasp an object of interest, or form a conscious awareness of our surroundings. Our studies attempt to gain a better understanding of the assumptions that the brain makes about how the world works, and how those assumptions can sometimes break down in the case of, for example, visual illusions. We’re also interested in how the brain overcomes its relatively slow sensory processes – it may seem that you are perceiving the world in real time, but you’re actually living in the past, with your perception of the world delayed by as much as 1/4 to 1/2 of a second! Teaching introductory psychology and neuroscience courses (Mind and Brain, Biopsychology)allows me to share my fascination of the brain, perception and consciousness with students. More generally, I enjoy helping students understand how science works, so that they can make sense of the scientific studies that have and will continue to impact their lives. The Brain Stories FIG is an important part of this effort, since a full understanding of science requires an understanding of the people who are intimately involved in the scientific endeavor.
 

Hello everyone! I’m Amanda Cote, Assistant Professor of Media Studies and Game Studies in the School of Journalism. My research focuses on the industry and culture of games (both digital and analog), with a particular emphasis on gender, representation, and issues of technological access. I ask questions such as: who are games “for”? Who are “gamers”? How did we come to view these things in these specific ways? And what does that mean? Through these questions, I explore how media and technology impact our broader social and cultural environments, especially along the lines of gender and identity. Many of these same questions lay at the heart of our FIG!

My work on these topics has been published in several academic locations, and I also published a book, Gaming Sexism: Gender and Identity in the Era of Casual Video Games, in 2020. In the SOJC, I teach a variety of classes, including Studying Games, Intro to Media Studies, Media Studies Research Methods, and more. I love helping students learn how to ask strong research questions and to answer them through solid research.

You can learn a little bit more about me and my work through this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkLE45n0q0A&ab_channel=UniversityofOreg…


 

Hello everyone! My name is Tanner and I’m excited to be the assistant for the Brain Stories FIG this fall! First of all, good choice – this FIG offers a fascinating perspective into how both science and journalism use storytelling to reveal a deeper understanding of ourselves. As a member of the Science of a Good Life FIG last year, I met lots of new people and learned so much about the university, which made my transition to college so much easier! I hope to do the same by connecting you to the numerous resources and people that make this place feel like home.

I grew up in the Portland-Metro area with my parents, younger sister and a household of pets. I chose UO for the academic rigor of the Clark Honors College, the quality of our sports teams, and the state-of-the-art facilities that house some of the most genuine professors and sociable students I’ve ever met. While I was sad to leave home, I’ve come to cherish the culture and enjoy the opportunities in the Eugene-Springfield area. I look forward to getting to know you all and welcoming you the vibrant community at the University of Oregon!

As a second-year student, I’m pursuing a BS in neuroscience with minors in bioengineering, business administration, chemistry, and global health. After UO I plan to attend medical school and become a neurosurgeon. I like to stay busy working in a lab, volunteering in the community, and leading a book group on campus. But when I have free time, you can find me biking, hiking, golfing, cooking or watching our sports teams compete year-round!

If you’ve picked the Brain Stories FIG, please send me your name and a little about yourself in an email, I’d love to get to know you before we begin the term! Additionally, feel free to reach out with any questions regarding move-in day, course registration, the Eugene community, pets, your academic interests or anything else at all! I’ll do my best to answer your questions or find the answers for you! Have a great rest of your summer and I’ll see you in yellow and green soon!

Email: trozenda@uoregon.edu