They scurry around the department to classes, labs, and seminars. We see them present and read their reaction papers. Let’s take some time to learn about the people behind the PowerPoints. Graduate students are essential to the research enterprise and valued members of any department with a graduate program. The goal of the “meet the graduate students” series is to learn more about the experiences of these key players in the Department of Psychology at UNCG.
Let’s meet one of our second-year students, Bayley Wellons. Bayley began at UNCG in the Fall 2024 semester. Bayley works with Dr. Chris Wahlheim and is enrolled in the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program in the cognitive area. Bayley earned a BA in Psychology from UNCG.
Path to and Experiences in Graduate School
What inspired you to begin graduate studies?
I worked with Chris on a research project during my senior year of undergrad and really enjoyed it. Chris encouraged me to apply to the program.
Can you describe your research area and interests?
My primary research interest is how attention during encoding affects later episodic memory. Currently, I’m using pupillometry to study whether mnemonic prediction errors are associated with increases in attention and subsequent memory performance.
What is something you’ve accomplished at UNCG of which you’re especially proud?
The research project I completed as an undergrad was published in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications last summer.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to attend graduate school?
Don’t force yourself to work every single day. Make self-care a priority so that you don’t burn out.
Fun Facts!
Where are you from?
I’m from Raleigh, NC.
What do you like to do outside of school?
I like thrifting, playing video games, and watching shows.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have grapheme-color synesthesia – I see numbers and letters in color.
Could you share a favorite movie, book, or band that you would recommend to others?
I’m a big Twenty One Pilots fan. You should check out their new album.
