Jennifer Talarico | Photo by Adam Atkinson
What is the focus of your research?
I study autobiographical memory—how individuals remember personally experienced events. I am particularly interested in how social and cognitive factors influence our memories. For example, my colleagues and I have shown that people recall hearing about important public events (like the Sept. 11 attacks) more vividly and more confidently than their memories of personal events from the same time period. We have also shown that these “flashbulb memories” for important public events differ among social groups based, at least in part, by how consistent those events are with prior beliefs held by the group.
What will you be teaching in the fall?
This fall, I will be teaching PSYC 330: Cognitive Psychology II, an advanced lab-based course where students discuss cutting-edge, primary-source articles on memory and conduct their own research in the field. I will also be teaching FYS 136: Learning Science, a course where we explore individual habits and institutional structures that enhance (or inhibit) student learning. Teaching courses for both newly enrolled students with interests across the College and (mostly) senior psychology majors simultaneously is a tremendously fun experience for me as I can work with students on the cusp of very different transitions and appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities available in both contexts.
What does receiving an endowed chair mean to you, and how does this endowed position further your teaching and/or research?
The endowed chair is recognition of sustained contributions to my discipline–both in the classroom and via my scholarly publications. Having access to the research funds associated with the endowed chair means that I can expand the scope of my work, support student involvement in that research, and maintain my international collaborations more easily. I am incredibly grateful for the honor.
Read more about faculty members newly named to endowed positions.
