Kelsey Prena

Kelsey graduated with her PhD from The Media School at Indiana University in Mass Communication with a minor in Neuroscience. She received her MA and BA from Michigan State University in Communication. During her master’s program, she earned a specialization in Serious Game Design.

Kelsey’s research uses communication theories to explain neurological changes during video game play. Particularly, she focuses on how video gaming mechanics influence learning and memory and how past experiences can lead to differences in emotional affect. This research has involved collecting and analyzing neuroimaging, behavioral and survey data. One of the goals of Kelsey’s research is to extend video game effects research to people with Down syndrome to better understand how video games can facilitate memory in this population.