Raquel Lopez

Raquel Lopez is an Associate Professor of Psychology at St. Norbert College. She specializes in developmental psychology, focusing on how early adversity impacts decision-making processes and neural development. Her work employs EEG techniques in the Developmental Decision-Making Lab to study these dynamics across various populations, including adolescents and older adults. Lopez is a former Ronald E. McNair Scholar and recipient of the Leonard Ledvina Outstanding Teacher Award, reflecting her dedication to mentoring underrepresented students in higher education. She teaches courses on adult development, aging, and resilience, emphasizing the interplay between individual development and environmental influences.

Her research explores topics such as childhood maltreatment’s long-term effects on brain connectivity and cognitive functioning, as well as the role of peer influence and social context in decision-making. Lopez’s contributions span both empirical studies and syllabus development for undergraduate courses, integrating practical and theoretical insights. Her findings highlight the importance of addressing early adversity to foster resilience and healthy neurodevelopment.

• Scientific Awards: Leonard Ledvina Outstanding Teacher Award
• Labs/Teams: Developmental Decision-Making Lab