ABOUT:
The Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology Laboratory, directed by Dr. Ryan Olson, focuses on understanding how exercise influences brain function, cognition, and mental health. Using psychophysiological methods such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG), the lab examines both the acute and chronic effects of exercise on neurocognitive performance. In addition, the lab investigates neural and autonomic markers of dysfunction in at-risk populations, including individuals with a history of concussion and those experiencing mental and metabolic health challenges. This work aims to advance both theoretical understanding and practical applications related to performance, health, and recovery.

MISSION:
The mission of the Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology Lab is to advance scientific understanding of the interactions between exercise, brain function, and health while translating this knowledge into meaningful applications across clinical, performance, and everyday settings. The lab is committed to producing rigorous, theory-driven research that informs both scientific inquiry and real-world practice. A central goal is to identify mechanisms and biomarkers that can improve assessment, intervention, and long-term outcomes in diverse populations.

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:
The Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology Lab is committed to providing a structured, hands-on training environment that prepares students for a wide range of career pathways, including academia, applied practice, and industry. Students are actively involved in all stages of the research process, including study design, data collection, psychophysiological signal processing, statistical analysis, and dissemination through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Training in the lab emphasizes the development of both technical and professional skills. Students gain experience working with psychophysiological equipment, learn to manage complex datasets, and develop strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Equally important, the lab prioritizes mentorship, collaboration, and professional development, encouraging students to take ownership of their work while receiving guidance tailored to their individual goals.

The Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology Lab fosters a collaborative and goal-oriented environment where students are expected to engage actively, contribute to ongoing projects, and pursue independent research interests. Through this approach, trainees develop the skills, experience, and professional identity needed to succeed in research-intensive and applied careers related to human performance, health, and technology.

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