Yueping Zhang

From my early medical pursuits in China to the academic world in the U.S., an introductory
course in psychology in the U.S. was a turning point, which steered me towards physiological
psychology or behavioral neuroscience. My career trajectory has been a confluence of science,
culture, and profound curiosity.
My early research focused on the brain mechanisms of memory, specifically the neural
underpinnings of Korsakoff’s syndrome, a memory disorder often linked to chronic alcoholism.
Recognizing the prevalent alcohol-related challenges among college demographics, I
collaborated with students at Lewis and Clark to understand the neurocognitive factors
influencing heavy drinking behaviors, with an emphasis on its interplay with the brain's
prefrontal executive functions.
As someone fluent in two languages and cultures, I’ve been driven to explore the neuroplastic
effects of multilingualism. How speaking multiple languages shapes our brain and how each
language carries with it a unique cultural essence. Specifically, how does bilingualism modulate
our brain's executive functions? And how does each linguistic proficiency resonate with its
distinct cultural neural imprints? Assisted by dedicated students, our research team spent several
summers to unraveling these neuroscientific conundrums.
My teaching portfolio at Lewis and Clark reflects my profound interest and expertise in the
subject matter.

Credential:
PhD in Physiological Psychology, University of New Hampshire, 1996

Specialty

Behavioral Neuroscience

Academic Credentials

PhD in Physiological Psychology, University of New Hampshire, 1996