People

Dasa Zeithamova-Demircan, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Psychology

C.V.

Ph.D. 2008 University of Texas at Austin

M.A. 2003 Charles University in Prague

My research focuses on how we build complex knowledge representations—such as schemas, cognitive maps or concepts—from simple learning experiences. Stacking memories as building blocks, we form knowledge that transcends direct experience, allowing us to use the memory for the past to guide behavior in the future. I am especially interested how the hippocampus—a brain structure critical for memory for individual events in our lives—interacts with the prefrontal cortex and other memory systems to support the flexible use of experience. My primary research tools include computer-based experiments, formal models of behavior, and advanced functional MRI methods.

Graduate students

 Ben Chaloupka, M.S.

Ben received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He worked in the UIC Memory Lab as a Research Assistant studying memory and future thinking with Dr. Karl Szpunar. He joined the Brain and Memory Lab in the fall of 2019. His primary research interests are in memory and consciousness, specifically studying the neural mechanisms that enable memory integration and complex memory formation. Outside of the lab, Ben spends his time rock climbing and hiking in the mountains.

Troy Houser

Troy received a B.A. in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He joined the Brain and Memory Lab as a graduate student in the Spring of 2022. His main focus is studying the neural basis of various cognitive functions, particularly memory, using neuroimaging. He is also interested in tracking the functional networks underlying abstract representations in the brain.

Shijing Zhou

Shijing received a B.A. in Japanese and a B.S. in Psychology, as well as an M.S. in Psychology from the University of Oregon. She joined the Brain and Memory lab as an undergraduate honor student in 2018 and returned as a doctoral student in the fall of 2023. Additionally, she works at the Brain Electrophysiology Lab, where she contributes to the development of EEG-related medical devices as a Quality Management System Representative and Clinical Trial Quality Assurance Specialist. Her primary research focus revolves around sleep and memory performance in the context of aging and neurological disorders.

Cheyna Warner

Cheyna received her B.S. in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University in the Spring of 2023. As an undergraduate, she worked under Dr. Nancy Dennis in the Cognitive Aging and Neuroimaging Lab studying false memory. She joined the Brain and Memory Lab as a graduate student in the Fall of 2023. Her primary research interests are cognitive aging and memory, specifically looking at failures in typical memory processes.

Kyla Brannigan

Kyla received her B.S. in Neuroscience from Georgia State University in 2021. After graduating, she worked as a post-baccalaureate researcher in the NIMH’s Lab of Brain and Cognition studying the neural correlates of emotional face processing. She joined the Brain and Memory Lab as a graduate student in the Fall of 2023. Her primary research interests are emotion, memory, and imagination, specifically looking at neural and physiological signatures of emotional mental imagery.

Lab Manager

Lainey Costa

Lainey is an undergraduate student at UO majoring in psychology and neuroscience. She is interested in cognitive psychology, memory processing and retrieval, and psychopathology. In the future, she plans to attend graduate school and focus on research related to cognition and memory.

Undergraduate Research Assistants:

Riley Acker

Riley is a University of Oregon student pursuing a B.S. in neuroscience while minoring in chemistry. He is interested in the effects aging has on memory and the influence implicit memories have on behavior. He hopes to continue his education and obtain a doctorate degree. As an Oregon native, Riley enjoys spending his free time outdoors.

Louisa Krantz

Louisa is an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon studying neuroscience and psychology. She is fascinated with behavioral and cognitive neuroscience and the intersectionality of memory and psychological disorders. After graduation, she plans to pursue her interests through a professional career in research.

Ashish Sathya

Ashish is a double major in Political Science and Psychology at the University of Oregon. He is interested in how memories can inform political thought, and the interaction between the two fields. He is planning to pursue more research by going to graduate school in psychology. He is also a part of the Mock Trial team at the University of Oregon.

Ava Feldman

Ava is an Undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Interdisciplinary Cognitive Sciences. She is interested in the way that memory impacts development. Ava plans on going to graduate school and pursuing a career in child psychology.

Dilys Johnson

Dilys is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology with minors in sociology and forensics. Dilys is excited to learn more about memory recall and integration and hopes to apply what she learns when she pursues graduate school hoping to become a forensic psychologist.

Jenny Martin

Jenny is an undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience with minors in chemistry and biology. She is interested in the interplay between memory and our unique experience, as well as how it relates to sleep, nutrition and lifestyle practices. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school. She enjoys mountain biking, frisbee, a good kombucha and basking in the sun.

Ashlynn Thompson

Ashlynn is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. She is interested in the brain’s use of memories to construct an internal representation of the world and how psychological disorders can alter this model and subsequent behavior. After graduation, Ashlynn plans to apply to graduate school and pursue a career in research.

Alexis East

Lexi is studying at the University of Oregon to earn a B.S. degree; majoring in business and minoring in chemistry. She is interested in how advanced neuroimaging can be used to understand the complex cognitive experiences and behaviors of humans. In her free time, Lexi volunteers at a local cat shelter and develops her plan to apply to medical school. 

Aramis Lyons

Aramis is currently an undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience and considering double majoring in human physiology. He is interested in the cognitive processes of the brain and learning more about how memories affect perceived reality. He plans to use his education to further advance the research of neuroscience, mainly in-field studies. He enjoys outdoor activities, learning, and meeting new people.

Karenna Johnson

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