Roger Beaty, a graduate student in the social psychology program (faculty advisor: Dr. Paul Silvia), has published a review paper on “The neuroscience of musical improvisation” in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. The paper synthesizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of improvisation, with the aim of identifying the complex brain regions that subserve this skill and that speak to creativity in general. The review was part of his preliminary examination requirement for the PhD program.

Roger was also recently named a recipient of the The Frank X. Barron Award, administered by American Psychological Association Division 10 (Society for the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts) in recognition of exceptional achievements by graduate students.

Click here for more information about Roger’s research.