Behavioral Neuroscience · FSU
I'm Morgan — a neuroscience researcher at Florida State University passionate about psychiatric disorders, neural correlates, and the vast unknowns of the brain.
About me
Morgan is from sunny Boca Raton, Florida, and currently resides in the charming city of Tallahassee. Growing up, she was always drawn to the water — whether snorkeling just offshore or tubing behind the family boat.
Her love for movement extended beyond the ocean, as she dedicated 14 years to competitive baton twirling, a sport that fueled her discipline and passion.
As a researcher at Florida State University, Morgan explores the neural basis of psychiatric disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder and Eating Disorders. Under the mentorship of Dr. Justin Riddle and Dr. Sarah Brown, she engages in cutting-edge neuroscience research using tools like TMS to investigate the causal relationship between neural networks and cognitive performance.
Beyond research, Morgan is deeply committed to patient care, working as an MRI Patient Transporter at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where she prioritizes patient comfort and well-being.
Research experience
Morgan has been involved in advanced cognitive neuroscience research focusing on the neural underpinnings and correlates of psychiatric disorders — mainly Major Depressive Disorder and suicidal ideation. Her work spans EEG, fMRI, TMS, tACS, EOG, and more.
Investigating the role negative urgency plays in blunted negative emotion response inhibition and how it may relate to increased suicide risk. Examining behavioral outcomes and neural correlates underlying inhibition and impulsivity as they relate to negative affect. Mentored by Dr. Sarah Brown.
Examining the causal role of delta-theta oscillations in hierarchical cognitive control and how non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS) can modulate neural activity and improve cognitive performance.
Lead assistant on a NIMH-funded clinical trial investigating the role of delta-beta CF-tACS in increasing targeted cross-frequency coupling activity in patients with anhedonic depression, aiming to improve clinical outcomes after a 5-day stimulation paradigm.
Investigating the structural and behavioral correlates of anhedonic depression using whole-brain Voxel-Based Morphometry. Presented at the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium, Tallahassee, FL.
Investigating neural underpinnings of cognitive performance in psychiatric disorders using EEG, TMS, tACS, fMRI, and more.
Visit website →Assessing the impact of alcohol use in anxiety-sensitive individuals; analyzing how reward and valence change as a function of anxiety.
Visit website →Examines the transition from suicidal thoughts to behaviors and develops novel VR-based interventions to decrease suicide risk.
Visit website →Discovering the possibilities of brain-computer interfaces and leaving a lasting impact on BCI technology.
Visit website →Writing & presentations
Brown, M. (2025). Florida State University.
⬇ Download paperBrown, M. (2026). FSU Psychology Undergraduate Research Day 2026.
⬇ Download abstractBrown, M. (2025). FSU Psychology Undergraduate Research Day 2025.
⬇ Download abstractBrown, M. A., Li, D., Riddle, J. M. (2026, April). National Undergraduate Research Conference.
⬇ Download posterBrown, M. A., Steelman, Z., Jackson, L. M., Joiner, T. M., Riddle, J. M. (2026, April). Tallahassee, FL.
⬇ Download posterBrown, M. A., Li, D., Riddle, J. M. (2025, May). Also presented at FSU Undergraduate Psychology Day and the Virtual URC hosted by CIWR, Daytona, FL.
⬇ Download posterBrown, M., Johnstone, V., Kallen, A. M. (2024, May). Tallahassee, FL.
⬇ Download poster
2026 FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium — VBM & Anhedonic Depression poster presentation
2026 Howard Baker Award Talk — FSU Undergraduate Research Day, 2nd Place
Teaching, awards & skills
Co-teaching an Introduction to Research colloquium, guiding students through research design, ethics, and scientific communication. Helping students prepare to present original research at the end-of-year undergraduate research conference.
FSU Dept. of Psychology · $200 award for Honors Thesis abstract on emotion and inhibitory control networks.
FSU Dept. of Psychology · $250 scholarship for excellence in research.
Florida State University · $400 for NCUR 2026 registration in Richmond, VA.
Florida State University · $500 for lodging and transportation to NCUR 2026.
FSU SGA · Awarded to the senator demonstrating the most impactful contributions during their tenure.
Joined an international pre-medical fraternity, building community with students aspiring to attend medical school.
Works as a patient transporter for the hospital MRI department, engaging with a diverse range of patients and prioritizing patient comfort and well-being.
Get in touch
Whether you're a fellow researcher, potential collaborator, or just curious — Morgan would love to hear from you.