Cognition and Student Learning Lab

About the Cognition and Student Learning (CASL) Lab

Our lab studies how people learn and how we can make learning more efficient and effective for students from all backgrounds. We focus on three big goals:

1. Understanding when and why certain learning strategies work,
2. Finding creative ways to help students use those strategies, and
3. Exploring how teachers and students can apply them in diverse educational environments.

What Research Assistants Do

RAs are essential members of our team, and your involvement can grow with your experience and interests. As an RA, you might: 

• Read and critique research articles
• Help design and create study materials
• Run participants in classroom or lab studies
• Organize, score, and analyze data
• Share results at department showcases and conferences

How to Join

Dr. Rivers usually reviews applications and interviews potential RAs at the end of each quarter (Weeks 9–10), but you can apply anytime. No prior research experience is required. We give preference to students who:

• Are curious about how people learn
• Can commit for at least two quarters
• Can attend the weekly lab meetings
• Can contribute at least 5 hours per week to various lab tasks