Sharper Thinking?
Ohio Wesleyan Students Explore the Potential of Brain Stimulation, Video Games
Name: Joy Gbadebo '28
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
High School: Beechcroft High School
Majors: Pre-Medicine and Microbiology
Minor: Chemistry and Psychology
OWU Connection Experience: Participating in the 10-week Summer Scholarship and Research Program (SSRP) and fall symposium
Gbadebo and Inesh Tickoo '26 of Delhi, India, completed a project titled, "Can Brain Stimulation (tDCS) and Video Games Make Your Brain Sharper?" They were mentored by Kira Bailey, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology and director of the Neuroscience Program.
Getting Real Experience
"I worked on research investigating how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance cognitive control during video game-based tasks," Gbadebo explains.
"I assisted with experimental setup, including electrode placement and sham protocols. The project combined classic cognitive tasks with immersive gameplay to measure executive functions while exploring how brain stimulation can improve motivation and performance, giving me hands-on experience in neuroscience research and experimental design.
Ongoing Research
"The project isn't over yet. This summer, we focused on preparing for the experiment by reading empirical articles, testing the tDCS device, developing the stimulation protocol, and working on the customized video game. The actual study will be conducted in the fall, so the research will continue with data collection and analysis once participants complete the tasks."
Why This Experience?
"I pursued this opportunity because I've always been fascinated by how the brain works, and SSRP gave me the chance to explore that interest in a hands-on way. It was meaningful because I was able to read and analyze research articles, assist with testing the tDCS device on volunteers, and help write the stimulation protocol."
Favorite Moment
"My favorite moment was helping test the tDCS device with volunteers. It was exciting to see the equipment in action after spending time reading empirical articles and developing the protocol. That hands-on experience made the project feel real and gave me a clear sense of how all the preparation we did will contribute to the experiment we'll run in the fall."
This experience showed me what it's like to contribute to a real research project and gave me skills and confidence that will be useful in graduate school.
Lessons Learned
"I learned how much preparation goes into research before the experiment even begins, reading articles, testing the tDCS device, and writing the protocol all matter just as much as running the study itself. This experience showed me what it's like to contribute to a real research project and gave me skills and confidence that will be useful in graduate school."
My Mentor
"I worked closely with Dr. Kira Bailey, who guided me through testing the tDCS device, and developing the study protocol. Her support helped me understand the research process, gain hands-on experience in neuroscience, and build confidence in contributing to a real research project."
Campus Involvements
"Outside of the classroom, I'm involved with the Wesleyan Council of Student Affairs (WCSA) as a senator and serve on its Public Affairs Committee. I'm also a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose Ohio Wesleyan because the small class sizes let me really connect with my professors and learn directly from them. The hands-on opportunities, like research programs and Travel-Learning Courses, made it clear that Ohio Wesleyan would let me explore my interests in depth while getting guidance and support along the way."
My Plans After Graduation
"After graduation, I plan to continue my studies in graduate school. Ohio Wesleyan is helping me prepare by giving me hands-on research experience, opportunities to apply what I've learned in the classroom, and close mentorship from professors, all of which build the skills I'll need to succeed in graduate-level work."