LANCE RAY PEARSON

Department of Cognitive and Neural Systems, Boston University,

677 Beacon St., Boston, Massachusetts 02215.  

Phone: H (617) 413-5061, O (617) 353-7677. Fax: (617) 353-7755.

Email: lancep@cns.bu.edu (text), lancepearson@gmail.com (html).

 

EDUCATION

·        B.A., University of Kentucky, Mathematics, 2000

·        B.A., University of Kentucky, Philosophy, 2000

Emphasis upon Metaphysics and Epistemology (Philosophy of Mind)

·        B.S., University of Kentucky, Computer Science, 2000

Completed triple degrees focusing upon the structure and limits of knowledge acquisition in human and artificial intelligences. This interest was naturally extended to the computational modeling of human neural networks in doctoral work.

·        Ph.D. Candidate, Boston University, Cognitive and Neural Systems (Expected Fall 2005)

Thesis entitled "The Temporal Organization of Human Perception, Planning and Memory: A Laminar Neural Network Model of Working Memory."  Curriculum spanned courses in the modeling of various neural systems, including reinforcement learning, motor control and planning, vision, speech, audition and memory and well as significant exposure to neuropsychology.

Thesis Advisor: Professor Stephen Grossberg

 

APPOINTMENTS

·    Teaching Fellow, Boston University, National Science Foundation GK-12 Science, Technology, and Mathematics Partnerships Program Teaching Fellowship (2004-2005)

Competitively awarded fellowship included intensive training in traditional lecture format and modern inquiry-based experimental and discussion theories of teaching. This training was followed by teaching and lesson development for general science at the eighth grade level as a means of applying these learned methods.

·        Teaching Fellow, Boston University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cognitive and Neural Systems (2001)  

CAS CN570: Neural and Computational Models of Conditioning, Reinforcement, Motivation and Rhythm.

Included design of final class research project involving software design for robotic execution of an eye movement task.

·        Research Assistant, Boston University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cognitive and Neural Systems (2000-Present)

Conducted modeling research into working memory and motor planning paradigms using non-linear differential equations with Professor Stephen Grossberg. Doctoral research emphasized computer and mathematical modeling, neural networking, differential equations, numerical analysis, algorithm development and analysis, as well as, extensive research into the biological basis and psychophysical manifestations of human thought and action.

 

HONORS AND AWARDS

·        2004-2005, National Science Foundation GK-12 Science, Technology, and Mathematics Partnerships (STAMP) Program Teaching Fellowship,  Boston University

·        2004, Best Buy te@ch Grant on behalf of Timilty Middle School, Roxbury, MA.

·        2000-2004, Dean's University Graduate Fellowship, Boston University

·        2000, Summa cum laude, with Honors Program and departmental honors, University of Kentucky

·        1996-2000, Dean's List, University of Kentucky

·        1996-2000, National Merit Scholarship, University of Kentucky

 

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

·        Neural dynamics of motor sequencing in lateral prefrontal cortex.

Lance Pearson and Stephen Grossberg

Abstract for the Society for Neuroscience Conference, 2005, Washington, D.C.

 

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AND TEACHING SKILLS

·       Extensive programming experience in C, C++ and Matlab as well as using both Windows (2000 and XP) and Unix (or Linux)-based operating systems. 

·      Competency teaching calculus at an undergraduate level, differential equations, algorithm development, artificial intelligence, computational and mathematical modeling, statistical and numerical analysis and probability theory.

·        Competency teaching cognitive neuropsychology with emphases upon motor control, memory, learning and/or perception.