Michigan State University
The Expertise Lab at Michigan State University focuses on the origins and underpinnings of skill in domains such as music, games, sports, and professions. Led by Dr. Zach Hambrick, research in the Expertise Lab uses state-of-the-art techniques to identify factors that explain individual differences in the attainment of high-level skill in these domains.
If you are interested in working in the Expertise Lab, please complete our RA application.
Dr. David Z. Hambrick
Laboratory Director
Zach Hambrick is a professor in the Department of Psychology at MSU. His research focuses on individual differences in expertise, including the role of both basic abilities and training history.
I study individual differences in intelligence, skill acquisition and expertise, and academic achievement.
Dr. Alexander P. Burgoyne
Collaborator
Currently a Post-Doc at Georgia Tech.
I'm interested in procedural error and task interruption, which I study using behavioral experimentation and cognitive models. I also have general interests in memory, attention, cognitive control, cognitive ability, and expertise.
Dr. Erik M. Altmann
Collaborator
My main research interests lie in cognitive and developmental neuropsychology, especially the study of the development of handedness and the psychological correlates of individual differences in lateralization of function.
Dr. Lauren J. Harris
Collaborator
My current research interests lie in elite-level performance and the development of expertise, particularly in the domain of eSports.
Daisuke S. Katsumata
PhD student
I am primarily interested in researching the role of emotional control in athletic performance and skill development.
Erin Neaton
PhD student
I am a master's student enrolled in Michigan State University's Human Resources and Labor Relations program. My primary interests lie in organizational behavior and talent development. More specifically, my studies focus on expertise domains within organizations and how to acquire top talent to excel within their respective roles. 
Brooke Allgeier
Lab Manager
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Hannah Sloss
Research Assistant
Bio: Hoping to attend medical school after graduation. Especially interested in osteopathic medicine. Big fan of animals, cooking, and travel!
Major: Psychology and Human Biology
Jala Jefferson
Research Assistant
Bio: I will go to medical school after undergrad and become a psychiatrist. I enjoy dancing, concerts and traveling.
Major: Human Biology; Minors in Sociology and Global Public Health and Epidemiology
Sunawer Aujla
Research Assistant
Bio: Hoping to attend medical school after graduation. Interested in sports, travel, and art.
I have broad interests in attention, cognitive control, and working memory.
Tyler James Matteson
Research Assistant and Former Lab Manager
Starting grad school in 2021.
Major: Human Biology
Abey Martin
Research Assistant
Bio: I plan on attending medical school after graduation. I love to be active and play sports and also play the piano.
Major: Neuroscience/Pre-Med
Hannah Schwartz
Research Assistant
Bio: I hope to go onto medical school and become a doctor someday, and as for my personal interests, I absolutely love sports.
Major: Psychology
Andrew Dumont
Research Assistant
Bio: I plan to go to graduate school for cognitive neuroscience, and possibly go back for an engineering degree later in life. I aspire to discover various applications between linking technology and human thought.
Major: Neuroscience (Cognitive Discipline)
Joey Getzen
Research Assistant
Bio: I plan to attend medical school after graduation. In my spare time, I like playing video games and fishing.
Major: Neuroscience
McKenzie Miller
Research Assistant
Bio: I plan on attending graduate school for clinical psychology, and look forward to researching, teaching about, and improving mental health in the lives of others. My favorite activities are running and traveling.
Major: Chemistry with a minor in bioethics
Stephanie Schiffert
Research Assistant
Bio: Hoping to attend medical school after graduation to eventually become a trauma doctor. Most of my free time now is spent studying or volunteering.
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; minors in Italian and Beverage Science
Maria Sliva
Research Assistant
Bio: Hoping to attend law school after graduation with a focus on international law. Lover of yoga, reading, and breakfast foods.