Kara Federmeier

Kara Federmeier is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and a faculty member at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois. She leads the Cognition and Brain Lab and the Illinois Language and Literacy Initiative, focusing on cognitive neuroscience research related to language comprehension and aging.

• B.S., University of Illinois (1994)
• Ph.D., University of California, San Diego (2000)

Her research integrates electrophysiological techniques (ERPs), behavioral studies, and eye movement tracking to investigate semantic memory structures, hemispheric differences in language processing, and how aging affects cognitive functions. Recent work explores semantic predictability, mood effects on knowledge access, and emotional memory modulation.

Recent publications highlight her use of ERP methods to study language processing in aging, semantic cognition, and emotional memory dynamics. These works span journals like Cognition and Emotion, Psychophysiology, and Cognition.

• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2023)
• Member of the Society of Experimental Psychologists (2022)
• James S. McDonnell Foundation Scholar Award (2010-2016)
• Arnold O. Beckman Research Award (2003, 2009)

Dr. Federmeier collaborates on grants examining alcohol's cognitive impacts and leads projects on hemispheric differences in memory and language. She also contributes to academic leadership as a Fellow of multiple societies and former President of the Society for Psychophysiological Research (2016-2019).