The learning brain lab opens at FSU

How do students focus, learn, and thrive? At the Learning Brain Lab, we explore the neuroscience behind attention, memory, and mental health. For adolescents with ADHD, these challenges are even greater, impacting academic success, social interactions, and long-term well-being.

Our research focuses on key questions at the intersection of cognitive development, education, and neuroscience:

• How do brain networks responsible for focus, memory, and self-regulation develop throughout childhood and adolescence?

• How can we use this information about the brain to drive more effective interventions for students with ADHD and learning challenges?

• How can changes in education, policy, and daily habits improve student outcomes in cognitive performance and mental health?

One key factor? Sleep. Teens need more rest, yet school schedules often work against them. Our project, The Snooze Study, uses fMRI neuroimaging and behavioral assessments to examine how one extra hour of sleep impacts cognitive function, academic performance, and well-being in high school students. With Florida’s shift to later school start times, we have a unique opportunity to measure real-world effects of better-aligned sleep schedules. 

Beyond research, we bring neuroscience to the community – through science fairs like TallyFest, FCRR Open House, and other hands-on learning experiences. Join us as we explore how our brain learns, and how this knowledge can shape education, policy, and mental health support for students across the globe!