Hayley Gilbertson of Carbondale, Ill., has been named the Northern Michigan University Department of Psychological Science 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate student. She completed her studies in December, earning a master's degree in psychological science.
During her time at NMU, Gilbertson specialized in the neuroscience of emotion by working in the Cognitive Affective Behavioral Integrative Neuroscience laboratory, under the direction of Professor Joshua Carlson. This work led her to use cutting edge approaches to study the brain, including magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography, which she used to understand the neurobiology of anxiety.
Gilbertson presented her research at national conferences, including the Society for Neuroscience meeting. Gilbertson was also a co-author of two journal articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
She is pursuing a doctorate in brain and cognitive sciences at Southern Illinois University. Her plans are to conduct independent research on predispositions for mental health illness, which may in turn lead to the development of novel preventative measures and treatment options.
NMU's virtual commencement will be held at 10 a.m. EST Saturday, May 1. Bryan Terrell Clark, a Broadway performer who played George Washington in Hamilton, will be the keynote speaker. Learn more about commencement and access a link to watch it live at www.nmu.edu/commencement.