Electroencephalographic (EEG) system for ERP research

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This equipment request would support the research program of Dr. Derek Fisher within the Department of Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University. The applicant's research primarily utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) and EEG-derived event-related potentials (ERPs). This methodology directly measures and records the firing of neurons in the brain. The superior temporal resolution of ERPs allow for millisecond-by-millisecond assessment of neural activity, making this method ideal for capturing instantaneous changes in information processing. DF is currently investigating how commonly used drugs affect brain function across the human menstrual cycle, as women have historically been underrepresented in studies measuring pharmacological effects, as well as how sex-differences and individual differences alter neurophysiological indices of working memory. ***Primarily, the funds from this grant would allow the applicant to replace a dated, failing EEG system that is increasingly breaking down, and increasingly difficult to fix as parts for this model become scarce. Additionally, as the applicant is relatively junior, this equipment would enhance, support, and create current and future research activities. An investment of new equipment at this critical time in each applicant's career will have transformative effects by allowing for even higher quality research to be conducted, resulting in more (and higher impact) publications and providing the necessary infrastructure to support funding requests. ***This new EEG system would also give the applicant continued ability to train future cognitive neuroscientists and to provide training on updated systems that will make these HQP highly desirable for future graduate work. The requested equipment will be housed at Mount Saint Vincent University, which has a long history of advancing the education of women and other marginalized groups. This is synergistic with NSERC's stated goal to “increase the inclusion and advancement of women and other under-represented groups in the natural sciences and engineering, as one means to enhance excellence in research and training.” Women in particular are overrepresented in the Mount's student body, including within the Department of Psychology. As such, the proposed equipment would directly contribute to the training and advancement of women in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Unlike other neuroimaging methodologies, EEG and ERP data are typically collected by the individual investigators (rather than a specialized technologist). Trainees, including those at both the graduate and undergraduate level, will gain meaningful and valuable hands-on experience in the acquisition of high-density EEG data, as well as the sophisticated and rigorous analyses that can be conducted with such rich data.