Dr. Nancy Gee, Department of Psychology, SUNY Fredonia

Dr. Nancy Gee

Research

My research focuses on issues involved in human memory processes. Recently I have done research on Flashbulb Memories related to the terrorist attacks on the USA on 9/11, in addition to examining the effectiveness of eyewitness testimony and examining the concreteness effect.

Generally, I am interested in investigating the effect of our shared experiences (with the English language) on our ability to retrieve information. My research focuses on the role of pre-existing knowledge in current memory performance. Specifically, I am interested in studying ambiguity resolution, memory for ambiguous vs. non-ambiguous words, and variables related to the associative structure of the mental lexicon.

I also have research interests outside the realm of memory. I have been involved in research projects on teaching students about statistical concepts and computer anxiety, but my latest research project examines the effectiveness of therapy dogs on language acquisition and use in young children. I train and handle two therapy dogs that have become integrated into the curriculum of the Youngerman Preschool where we are currently investigating the efficacy of the animal intervention.

Teaching

I love to teach Statistics (PSY 200) and just about any class related to human memory. I teach Theories of Memory (PSY 454) and I've taught a number of seminars for the College Honors program on a variety of topics related to memory (HONR 205, 208, 226). I also teach Cognitive Neuroscience (PSY 361) and I have taught Computer Applications in Psychology (PSY 390), Research Methods (PSY 210), and Cognitive Psychology (PSY 244).

Department, University and Community Service

I have been the departmental Subject Pool Coordinator for a several years, as well as serving on the Psychology Merit Award committee. In the past I have served on the departmental curriculum committee, and on departmental as well as college-wide search committees. For a number of years I participated in the College Senate, first as a Senator, then Vice-Chair and ultimately as Chair. I take my therapy dogs (Louie and Nikki) to visit the Youngerman Preschool on campus on a weekly basis, and I have taken them regularly to the WCA Home in Fredonia. Additionally, I have taken them on invited therapy visits to BOCES, the Wheelock School, and this fall we will visit the Fredonia Stroke Support Group.

Selected Student - Faculty Collaboration

Ross, A., Guidarelli, K., & Gee, N.R. (2007, April). A Cross-cultural Analysis of Ambiguous Words. Poster presented at the SUNY-Fredonia Student Research and Creativity Exposition, Fredonia, NY

Sherlock, T., Bennett, E., & Gee, N.R. (2007, April). Facilitators of Motor Skills in Preschool Children. Poster presented at the SUNY-Fredonia Student Research and Creativity Exposition, Fredonia, NY

Guidarelli, K., & Gee, N.R. (2006, April). A Cross-Cultural Examination of Word Ambiguity. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA

Harris, S., Johnson, K., Bennett, E., & Gee, N.R. (2006, April). Role of Attitudes toward Dogs and Dog Breeds On the Effectiveness of Dog Therapy. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA

Johnson, K., Harris, S., Bennett, E., & Gee, N.R. (2006, April). The Role of Therapy Dogs in Speed and Accuracy to Complete Motor Skills Tasks for Identified and Typical Preschool Children. Poster presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Erie, PA

Dumuhosky, M., Lach, S., Dyck, J.L., & Gee, N.R. (2003, April). Flashbulb memories of September 11, 2001. Student Research & Creative Endeavors Exposition (SCREE), Fredonia, NY. Also presented at the Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Research Conference.

Lach, S., Dumuhosky, M., Dyck, J.L. & Gee, N.R. (2003, April). Have we forgotten? Assessing flashbulb memory from September 11, 2001. SCREE, Fredonia, NY.

Talbot, K., & Gee, N.R. (2002, April). Examining the Misinformation Effect in Eyewitness Testimony. SCREE, Fredonia, NY.