Ilona Pitkänen, Ph.D. Picture

Ilona Pitkänen, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty

Biography:

I received my Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington in Seattle. My dissertation research focused on looking at what happens in the brain when people learn and forget a foreign language. My interests are diverse, but I am particularly interested in various neuroscience topics, such as the neural aspects of memory and language, and the actions of psychoactive drugs. I like to incorporate psychology topics into my classes that may have significant real-life impact on people’s lives, such as eyewitness testimonies and false memories. In my classes we also frequently discuss cross-cultural research findings. I grew up in Helsinki, Finland. In my spare time I enjoy reading, movies, exploring the city, and the feeling of pride I get after forcing myself to the gym.