Marcia Collaer is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Program affiliate at Middlebury College. She received a B.A. in Psychology from Bradley University, an M.A. in School Psychology from University of South Carolina, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from University of Arizona, and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from University of California, Los Angeles. One line of research in the lab focuses on sex and individual differences in cognitive abilities, particularly visuospatial skills. Topics of interest include the reasons why and how men and women, or individuals, perform differently on spatial tasks, including factors such as attentional differences, strategies, and social influences, such as stereotypes. A second line of research investigates situational influences on aspects of decision making, judgments, and cognition. In both lines of research, physiological aspects such as cardiovascular reactivity and hormonal correlates are of interest. Professor Collaer teaches courses relevant to psychology as well as neuroscience, including: Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Psychopharmacology, an advanced seminar in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, an advanced seminar entitled ‘Lenses on Sex and Gender’ co-taught with a colleague from Social Psychology, and a first-year seminar focusing on the brain.

Psycholog, Neuroscience