Cognitive Science & Social Psychology Seminar ~ Allyson Mackey, Faculty, University of Pennsylvania

Cognitive Science & Social Psychology Seminar

Allyson Mackey ~ Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Title: Environmental Influences on Brain Plasticity

Abstract: Children today will grow up to solve problems we cannot yet imagine. To build the skills they need to solve these problems, their brains need to be plastic: they need to rewire in response to new experiences. During development, maturational processes including inhibition and myelination stabilize connections, cementing knowledge and skills. Even once brakes on plasticity are in place, brains retain mechanisms to boost plasticity when learning is essential. Modulatory neurotransmitters, including dopamine, can signal that current neural configurations are a poor match for new inputs. Our research group examines how early life experiences influence maturation and motivation, and their consequences for learning. This talk will highlight our work on MRI-based proxy measures of brain plasticity, and how these measures change over childhood. I will discuss our ongoing work on whether early childhood experiences have a causal impact on markers of brain plasticity, or on the pace of maturation more broadly. I will also discuss whether capturing variation in children’s experiences and behavior with greater temporal precision can lead to insights into new approaches to supporting children’s thinking and learning. 

Fall Semester Speaker Schedule:

10/22/2026    Chujun Lin,  Faculty, Columbia University

10/29/2026    NO TALK   (Mahzarin Banaji ~ Festschrift)

11/5/2026       Rachel Denison, Faculty, Boston University

11/12/2026    NO TALK           

11/19/2026    Charles Dorison, Faculty, Georgetown University

11/26/2026    NO TALK (Thanksgiving)

12/3/2026       Léo Fitouchi,  Post-doc, MIT (+ Harvard)