Why Iowa?
Iowa has been at the forefront of psychological research and training for a century, and we still lead today. Our students learn about the field in the classroom and laboratory, and out in the community, developing skills that help them stand out among their peers.
DeLTA* Center
*Development and Learning from Theory to Application
Profiles and research
The department's commitment to research excellence is matched by a commitment to providing outstanding research and professional training for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs.
The close link between artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning in pigeons is no flight of fancy
This article about the history of AI highlights Ed Wasserman's research on pigeon cognition.
PBS researchers receive NSF funding to understand how speech perception relates to reading and language skills
Bob McMurray, professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences receives funding to further understand how children and adults hear and distinguish speech sounds.
Exploring a novel approach for treating Parkinson's disease
Cheol Soh is driven to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease. As a postdoctoral researcher, Soh’s research focuses on the brain regions related to movement stopping.
Paras Bassuk named UI’s 23rd Rhodes Scholar
The University of Iowa is uniquely known for being a place where art meets science, where students are encouraged to explore and innovate across these disciplines. Paras Bassuk, UI’s newest Rhodes Scholar, personifies exactly what that means — and more.
Self Driving Cars & Crosswalks
With an estimated 3.5 million self-driving vehicles expected on America’s roads by next year, University of Iowa researchers are investigating how to make crossing the road safe, especially for children.
CLAS PBS professor receives NIH grant to research how to improve lifeguard training using virtual reality
Cathleen Moore, professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, will use the funds from the National Institutes of Health to develop techniques to make pools safer.
News and announcements
At the ‘edge of chaos,’ pigeons keep their options open
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Researchers in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences found that pigeons balance repetition and exploration, operating at the “edge of chaos,” offering new insight into the mechanisms behind human creativity, adaptability, and decision-making.
Psychological and Brain Sciences student DeAndre Steger recognized at Finkbine Dinner
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
DeAndre Steger, a student in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, was recognized at the Finkbine Dinner for his academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to research and student engagement.
Psychological and Brain Sciences researcher Michelle Voss explores how exercise improves memory
Monday, April 6, 2026
Michelle Voss, a researcher in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to new research showing how brief physical activity can enhance memory. Her work demonstrates how exercise creates measurable changes in brain activity that support learning and memory retention, offering new insights into brain health.