معرفی
Dr. Sidni Alanna Justus serves as Assistant Professor in Psychological Science at Kennesaw State University, teaching research methods, sensation/perception, and developmental psychology courses while directing active cognitive neuroscience research. Previously a Visiting Assistant Professor at Oglethorpe University and NIH-funded postdoc at Georgia Tech, she integrates experiential learning across in-person, online, and hybrid formats.
Her educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Cognition and Brain Science Psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology (2019) with Industrial/Organizational Psychology minor
- M.S. in Psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology (2017)
- B.S. in Psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology (2014)
Dr. Justus investigates cognition, memory, and attention mechanisms in neurodiverse populations—particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder—across lifespan stages from early childhood to aging. Her dual research streams examine neural correlates using EEG methodologies and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning focused on student retention. Current projects explore environmental influences like background music on episodic memory and context reinstatement in ASD adults.
Publication analysis reveals concentrated investigation into memory-attention interactions in ASD adults, with increasing emphasis on translational applications including assessment tool validation (R-ABC vs. M-CHAT) and environmental modulators of cognitive performance. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience with clinical practice through neurophysiological approaches.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (NRSA)
- Departmental and Institute-wide Teaching Award from Georgia Tech
Dr. Justus mentors nearly three dozen undergraduates in behavioral and EEG research, serving as formal Master's committee member and capstone advisor for projects like EEG-based Music-Memory studies and mindfulness interventions for student athletes. Her lab emphasizes full research cycle participation from design to publication, with students regularly presenting at regional conferences including GURP and KSU Symposium.
The Justus Lab (justuslab.com) operates as collaborative hub for neurodiversity research, engaging KSU undergraduates and graduate students alongside external partners in projects examining real-world cognitive applications. The team prioritizes methodological rigor in both laboratory and naturalistic settings to advance understanding of neurocognitive profiles across developmental stages.
