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LABORATORIES

Laboratories

BRAIN, LEARNING & EDUCATION

The Brain, Learning, and Education (BLE) Lab investigates the neurocognitive mechanisms explaining math achievement and gains in math performance over time using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and event-related potentials (ERPs), focusing on the role of both cognitive and affective factors.

A colorful, abstract illustration of a brain painted in bright splashes of yellow, pink, blue, green, and purple. Surrounding it are hand‑drawn doodles representing learning and creativity, including a lightbulb, paper airplane, graduation cap, calculator, globe, laptop, books, clock, mathematical formulas, and speech bubbles.

BODY COMPOSITION ASSESSMENT

The Body Composition Assessment Lab examines the validity and reliability of body composition assessment techniques as well as the relationship between physical activity and body composition.

Contact Dr. Michael Fedewa at mvfedewa@ua.edu.

Senior woman measures body composition.

Exercise Psychology

The Exercise Psychology Lab is designed to examine the psychobiological responses to aerobic exercise and lab-based stressors. It also looks at the acute affects of exercise on learning and decision-making, the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for psychological improvements as well as the cognitive-enhancing effects of exercise.

Illustration of a brain lifting a barbell weight over its head.

DIGITAL, COMPUTATIONAL & DATA LITERACIES

The Digital, Computational, and Data Literacies Lab (D.CoaD) is home to an interdisciplinary and collaborative research team led by Dr. Amy Hutchison, UA Fayard Family Endowed Chair in Literacy Education. The D.CoaD team integrates digital, computational, media and data literacies to support teaching and learning. It has multiple funded projects focused on understanding how to support students, especially those with disabilities, in learning about computer science, computational thinking, data, media and STEM-focused communication through literacy. D.CoaD is committed to helping students develop media literacy skills, preparing them for the digital literacies of the future.

Illustration depicts digital technology through image of girl browsing the internet on a laptop.

EMBODIED LEARNING DESIGN & EDUCATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE

The Embodied Learning Design and Educational Neuroscience (ELDEN) Lab focuses on numerical cognition, mathematics learning and embodied cognition, in addition to wider interests in cognitive and developmental disorders, evolution of cognition, STEM learning, and computational modeling

Mathematical equations are drawn on a blackboard.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

The Lab for Innovative Technology in Education (LITE) provides pre-service educators with cutting-edge resources as well as training, support and experiences that enable them to utilize existing, modern and innovative instructional technology tools and pedagogical practices, creating inventive and transformative learning environments that facilitate and maximize student engagement, creativity and learning.

A colorful illustration of a laptop with analytical data.

SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL & EDUCATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE

The Social, Emotional, and EDucational (SEED) Neuroscience Lab studies how to promote students’ social, emotional and motivational development in educational settings by utilizing various neuroscientific research methods, including but not limited to, functional MRI (fMRI), structural MRI, psychological intervention, and computer simulation methods. We conduct research projects focusing on moral development and education, growth mindset, and effective educational interventions promoting positive youth development.

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STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

The Strength and Performance Assessment (SPA) Lab conducts research examining the effects of blood flow restriction training on strength and performance modulation, changes in renal and cardiovascular health in elementary school educators and neuromuscular responses to various training stimuli.

Contact Dr. Lee Winchester at ljwinchester@ua.edu.

Two adults run on treadmills.