Editorial Research Features

See what the GWUR team is working on!

Veronika Kulik

Major in Biological Anthropology Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2022

Where did/do you conduct research? What is the overarching goal of that organization?

I’m a member of Dr. Chet Sherwood’s Evolutionary Neuroscience lab, which is a part of the Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology. We study the brains of all sorts of mammalian species and use a comparative approach to investigate the evolution of behavior, communication, cognition, neurodegeneration, and more.

What was/is your specific project? Why is this important?

The project I worked on last semester was completed for my undergraduate honors thesis and had to do with the evolution of human language and complex tool use. Language and complex tool use are often cited as behaviors unique to humans and may be evolutionarily linked owing to the underlying cognitive processes they have in common. I investigated the coevolution of language and tools in the brain using a quantitative activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis on previously published neuroimaging studies. This meta-analysis was meant to identify what areas of the brain are activated during syntactic processing and/or tool use. Significant clusters related to syntactic processing were identified in areas known to be related to language production and comprehension, including bilateral Broca’s area (inferior frontal gyrus). Tool use activation clusters were all in the left hemisphere and included the primary motor cortex and premotor cortex, in addition to other areas involved with sensorimotor transformation. Activation shared by syntactic processing and tool use was only significant at one cluster, located in the left inferior frontal gyrus. This minimal overlap between syntactic processing and tool use activation from our meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies indicates that there is not a widespread common neural network between the two. Instead, Broca’s area may serve as an important hub that was initially recruited in early human evolution under the context of simple tool use, but was eventually co-opted for linguistic purposes, including the sequential and hierarchical ordering processes that characterize syntax.

What has been the most valuable experience thus far doing research as an undergraduate?

Working on my own project has given me important insight into what goes into academic research, from planning the study to submitting for publication (which we hope to do soon with my undergraduate thesis). Also beneficial has been just the opportunity to shadow others in the lab and learn more about their projects. Hearing about what others are working on can be a source of inspiration in and of itself, and seeing how my project may connect or build on others’ work has also been very helpful, since collaboration is a crucial aspect of science.

What are your plans for the future? How has your research experience prepared you for them?

I’m a combined degree student, so I will continue at GW for another year to get my M.S. in Human Paleobiology. Already being familiar with many of the protocols I will need for my master’s thesis research makes me feel more prepared to take on this next challenge.

Any advice for people looking to get involved in undergraduate research?

Ask to shadow someone in a lab whose research interests align with something you’re passionate about! Even if you don’t end up with a position in that lab, you’ll still have gotten the chance to see what doing work in that field would involve.

THE GW UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW • VOLUME 5

Jessica Bride

Majors in Psychology & Criminal Justice Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2022

Where did/do you conduct research? What is the overarching goal of that organization?

The Luther Rice Undergraduate Research Fellowship is offered through the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences to support undergraduate research at GW. I’m conducting my research as a research assistant in the RW Turner Lab.

What was/is your specific project? Why is this important?

As a Luther Rice Fellow, I am completing a project titled “Psychosocial Impacts of Leaving High-Level Sports”. I seek to answer the question: what specific factors influence the degree of difficulty of their transition? Furthermore, what psychological and emotional barriers inform their behavior? In summer 2021, I interviewed former NFL players and former D-1 college football players. I participated in interview protocol development and was responsible for transcription, coding, and conducting a cross-case analysis to compare the athlete’s transition experiences within and between cohorts. The former athletes described their experiences across three themes: identity, communication patterns, and health. Half of the former athletes chose a negative adjective to describe their transition. Some players expressed that the hardest part of transitioning into private life was “Replacing the Thrill” of playing. They expressed frustration with losing the structure of a routine and the camaraderie of team sports. Their efforts to create a meaningful lifestyle centered around practices first learned from sports, such as exercise regimens. Families were the most common social network they relied on for support, but some former athletes experienced negative social impacts. I’m currently working on a manuscript, and I hope that this study contributes to improving the well-being of former athletes. Furthermore, I hope to define the relevance of these dimensions for former NFL players and contribute to the evaluation of strategies to improve their help-seeking behaviors. This data will aid the design of programs to help players navigate the transition. This project is an extension of my lab’s Athlete Brain Health and Aging Study.

What has been the most valuable experience thus far doing research as an undergraduate?

My most valuable experience has been integrating myself into GW’s research community because I have grown personally and professionally. I’ve been lucky to conduct multiple independent research projects during my time as an undergrad. These opportunities have come from classes, talking with other students about research opportunities, and using GW’s resources. Learning from other researchers and research orgs inspired me to continue my own work.

What are your plans for the future? How has your research experience prepared you for them?

After graduation, I will be working in my lab full-time during my gap year before pursuing a postgraduate degree in psychology. I frequently attend professional workshops and lab-sponsored training sessions that cover topics such as data analysis, interview training, and healthcare outcomes. Working directly with community members has improved my interpersonal and reflective listening skills, which will be valuable as a qualitative researcher.

Any advice for people looking to get involved in undergraduate research?

I’m sure you’ve heard it before but network! Reach out to your professors and ask if they have any research they’re currently doing. Or, look into research at GW that interests you and contact the faculty involved. It can’t hurt and, even if they don’t have spots, they may know of other opportunities for you.