Lindsay Bowman

Lindsay C. Bowman is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, and Principle Investigator of the Brain and Social Cognition (BASC) Lab within the Center for Mind and Brain. Her work bridges developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social cognition, focusing on neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying social understanding in infancy and childhood.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Michigan (2013)
• B.S. in Psychology, Queen’s University (2007)

Research Interests: Dr. Bowman explores how the 'social brain' develops through interdisciplinary methods including EEG, ERP, and fNIRS. Her lab examines neural correlates of social cognition, emotion regulation, and theory of mind across developmental stages. Key themes include the interplay between biological, experiential, and conceptual changes shaping social behavior.

Awards:

• Rackham Predoctoral Dissertation Fellowship (2012–2013)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Scholarships (2008–2012)
• Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award (2013)

Teaching & Mentorship: She teaches courses in Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. The BASC Lab actively involves undergraduate and graduate students in research, emphasizing participation from those aligned with its focus on social cognition and neural development.

Lab Mission: The Brain and Social Cognition Lab investigates how neural systems underpin social understanding, using cutting-edge neuroimaging alongside behavioral observations. Research spans infancy through childhood, addressing questions about empathy, cooperation, and the neural foundations of social behavior.