Cognitive Science Faculty

Carol Christensen

home department: Psychology
office: Blodgett Hall 231
phone: (845) 437-7374
Contact Carol Christensen

Carol Christensen grew up in Montana where she received her undergraduate degree in psychology at Montana State University, Bozeman. She completed her graduate training in physiological psychology at Stanford University. Her dissertation examined the functions of two of the visual cortical areas in the primate brain. That work fostered her current interest in cognitive neuroscience. Her research focuses on electrophysiological indicators of cognitive processing in humans, especially brainwave measurement methods related to perception and preparation for action and the electrophysiological indicators of cognitive processing across the adult life span. Vassar undergraduates and alums of all ages have participated in her studies.

She teaches in the Department of Psychology and the Programs in Biopsychology and Cognitive Science. Besides introductory courses in all three areas and the methods courses in physiological psychology (PSYC 278) and cognitive science (COGS/PSYC 275), she teaches physiological psychology (PSYC 214), perception and action (COGS/PSYC 211), and seminars on physiological psychology (PSYC 342), states of consciousness (PSYC 378) and cognitive science (COGS 375).