Background

Ido Davidesco, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Learning Sciences in the Department of Educational Psychology at UConn’s Neag School of Education.  Davidesco earned his PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Afterward, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University and New York University (NYU). At NYU, Davidesco worked on a National Science Foundation-funded project to explore the use of portable electroencephalogram (EEG) technology in classroom settings. He describes this experience, in addition to his passion for teaching, as the catalyst for his attempt to bridge the gap between neuroscience, psychology, and education. This led to his current position in the Neag School, where he strives to bring these different disciplines together.

Davidesco’s research is quite different from typical neuroscience research due to his focus on gathering data in real-world learning environments. This research involves the measurement of brain activity of students and teachers in classroom settings using portable EEG technology and examining ways to enhance authentic research experiences for high school and college students.

Involvement with CSCH

Davidesco became affiliated with CSCH through a collaborative grant proposal with the goal of developing a brain health program. If funded, this program will offer high school students opportunities to explore how to improve their brain health and cognitive function. “Neag and CSCH are a great environment to conduct this research because there is a community of researchers and educators who share similar interests and are great colleagues to collaborate with,” says Davidesco.

The best way to learn more about Davidesco’s work is by visiting his website. He can also be contacted via email and you can find him on Twitter @idodavidesco.

Fun Facts

Davidesco has a strong passion for theater. He was a part of a community musical theater group in New York City.

Undergraduate Researcher Angel Ojide interviewed Dr. Davidesco and wrote this profile.