My work can be best described as comparative cognitive neuroscience, which is characterized by two related approaches. One is a cross-species approach, comparing rat models of the neurochemistry of attention and learning to humans, focusing on the neurochemical acetylcholine. The other is an across the lifespan approach, examining the cholinergic hypothesis of age-related changes in cognition.

We use activity mapping from fMRI data to provide theoretical models that can then be more fully tested in rats combining local field potential recordings with immunotoxic lesions and pharmacology.

I received my B.A. in Biology-Psychology from Vassar College and then worked as a research assistant for a few years at Harvard University School of Medicine and fell in love with research. I was trained in animal neuroscience and received my Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Harvard University and then received training in human neuroscience as a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine. I enjoy bringing both of these approaches together in my lab.

• Advises on policies and procedures.
• Maintains the Faculty Handbook.
• Supports the University Lectures Committee.
• Manages the work of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Tenured Appointments (FACTA).
• Facilitates the Stephen H. Weiss awards nomination process.

Jill is a long-term Cornell employee who holds a degree in Business Administration. She worked in the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine prior to the Dean of Faculty Office. Jill enjoys an active lifestyle, is an experienced baker, finds time to read and values family.

• Manages the Dean’s calendar and reservations for 305 Day Hall conference room.
• Editor for the University Faculty Memorial Statements.
• Supports UFC, N&E, Faculty Senate committees, RTE Working Group, and Teaching-Track Title Taskforce.

C.A. has a B.A. in Classics, Art History, and Archaeology. Her early career was spent working on archaeological digs and in museum collections management. Before joining the Office of the Dean of Faculty, she supported two Cornell Vice Presidents. C.A. is an animal lover who enjoys spending time in nature.

• Manages the Cornell Academics and Professors Emeriti (CAPE) organization.
• Plans events and lectures for CAPE members.
• Facilitates the process for Podell Endowment Awards.

Melissa also holds a masters and bachelors degree in music education and is the founding artistic director of the Odyssey Choir in Ithaca, NY. She worked in concert production at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music prior to the Dean of Faculty Office at Cornell. She enjoys walking in nature, doing yoga, speaking Italian, and playing with her dog.