Social Sciences & Natural Sciences: Kendal Jordan '25

Major(s) and minor(s)

B.A. in Psychology; B.A. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Minor in American Sign Language

Pronouns

She/They

Hometown

Baltimore, MD

Areas of interest/focus in research

Media Studies (videogames)

Psychopathologies and reward learning

Intersection between psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and videogames

Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted

ZVR Lab:

  • Research Assistant with Dr.Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez

Digital Media Studies Department:

  • Presented research about the psychological effects of first-person shooter games and black representation in action games under Kristana Textor

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • Participated in the Summer Internship Program (SIP) under the guidance of Dr. Thorsten Kahnt

About me...

Hey, my name is Kendal and I am a senior majoring in Psychology and Brain & Cognitive Studies. My focus in BCS is on neuropsychology and neurobiology with some language courses to match my minor in American Sign Language. I am interested in finding an intersection between video games and psychology.

Through my experience with Neuro2All, I believe that science and research should be accessible regardless of education level. I hope to continue this through my involvement with UR Splash!

How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?

My experiences as a researcher have inspired me to pave my way. Instead of just focusing on academics in the future, I want to also dabble in videogame preservation and conservation efforts. I didn't know that people could look at the different aspects of games that make players respond a certain way. As long as you are courageous and determined, anything can become a career.

Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions

Campus Groups:

  • UR Splash: Student Outreach Coordinator
  • Refugee Student Alliance (RSA): Secretary
  • ASL Club: Secretary

Awards/Distinctions:

  • Ronald E. McNair Scholar
  • Dean's List
  • Psychology Honor Program
  • 2024 National Ronald E. McNair Conference Scholarly Recognition (oral & poster presentation)
  • 2024 Undergraduate Research Exposition Dean’s Award at the University of Rochester Undergraduate Symposia
  • Presented Research at the National Institute of Drug Abuse as a summer intern
  • Presented Research at the 12th Annual Replaying Japan Conference at the University of Buffalo

Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...

Dancing with Indulgence, chilling at Art and Music or Kearns Center, or signing in the Starbucks lounge

Areas where I may be particularly helpful

  • Social Science Research Opportunities
  • Networking Skills
  • CV/Resume writing
  • Proposal Writing

What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?

Just because someone hasn't done something in your field doesn't mean it can't be done. When I was a freshman psych student, I wouldn't have imagined myself creating a project with the DMS department. Anything can be an intersection of fields if you have the drive or know who to talk to.

Email me at: kjord12@u.rochester.edu