Joel Bish

Joel Bish is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Ursinus College, specializing in Cognitive Neuroscience. He has served as the Coordinator for the Neuroscience major from 2005 until 2014. His academic career includes an NIH National Research Service Award Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2003–2005) and ongoing contributions to interdisciplinary research on brain function.

Education:

• B.S. in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania
• M.A. in Experimental Psychology from Towson University
• Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of New Mexico

Research Interests: Dr. Bish investigates the neurological foundations of aesthetic judgments (musical and visual arts), cognitive dysfunction in mild traumatic brain injury (e.g., concussions), and the application of neuroimaging techniques (MRI, fMRI, ERP, MEG) to study brain structure-function relationships. His current work also explores executive function, impulse control in typical and atypical development, and facial processing mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• NIH National Research Service Award Fellowship

Advising & Grants: Dr. Bish mentors student research on topics such as EEG correlates of visual hallucinations, cognitive deficits in concussed athletes, and neurocorrelates of ADHD and OCD symptomology. His NIH fellowship underscores his commitment to advancing cognitive neuroscience through rigorous academic inquiry.