Cognitive Science Student Profile
Rikki Weger
Arthur, Illinois
Cognitive science was an ideal fit for Rikki Weger since she enjoys both the sciences and the arts. "This program let me take classes in philosophy, psychology, computer science, and many other areas. It is extremely challenging, but also thoroughly enjoyable." Rikki spent the 2008-09 academic year as an undergraduate research fellow at Indiana University, where she was involved with a number of research projects. "In addition to spending time in the lab, I took a handful of classes during my fellowship. While I found the course load challenging, classes at UE are equally difficult. I felt prepared both inside and outside of the lab."
Rikki's work as a research assistant focused on ego depletion. "Ego depletion refers to the theory that mental resources can be used up. If mental resources are used up, they can not be used for other purposes. For example, if you take two tests back-to-back, all other things equal, you will perform worse on the second test than the first, simply because your mental resources have been depleted. One of the most interesting studies we conducted explored the role of ego depletion in marketing."
Since completing her research experience, Rikki's plans for the future have changed. "While I loved the people I met and the experiences I had, I came to the realization that lab research is not my passion. Instead, I am applying to law schools where I can further my interests in ethics and logic."
