Ryan Darling

Ryan Darling is an Assistant Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Psychology from Miami University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). His academic career includes roles as an Assistant Professor in Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences at UMMC and contributions to medical education research at UNC.

Dr. Darling’s research background spans behavioral neuroscience, focusing on electrophysiological mechanisms of learning and memory in animals, and the neurodevelopmental impacts of antidepressants. His current interests include pedagogy, particularly applying cognitive principles to enhance medical education. He has pioneered eye-tracking studies on medical students’ visual attention during assessments and advocates for Universal Design for Learning principles.

His publications span topics from hippocampal theta rhythms in conditioning to the effects of perinatal antidepressants on neural systems. He actively mentors undergraduate students in research and participates in UNC’s Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL). His teaching portfolio includes courses in Behavioral Neuroscience, Anatomy, and Psychology pedagogy.

Dr. Darling’s work bridges basic neuroscience research with practical educational strategies, emphasizing evidence-based methods to improve student outcomes in STEM fields.