PhD Students

Allison Wieland

Ph.D. Student
Office: MHC1322
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Curriculum Vitae

 

Research Interests

I am developing a study examining how activities such as music listening and exercise influence heart rate variability (HRV) and related biomarkers in individuals with dementia. Using non-invasive, clinically applicable methods, the project explores how familiar music may engage the vagus nerve to promote emotional regulation, adaptability, and well-being. By correlating HRV metrics with behavioral and cognitive data, the study aims to identify physiological signatures of positive emotional responses and inform future therapeutic physiological signatures of positive emotional responses and inform future therapeutic interventions for neurodegeneration populations. 

Education

2026- PhD Program in Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
2025-2026- Master’s in Medical Sciences (Aging & Neuroscience), University of South Florida, Tampa
2023-2025- Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology & Forensic Sciences, University of Tampa

Publications

Berwanger, H. A., Wieland, A. R., & Blessing, S. B. (2025). Enhancing engagement: Fostering purposeful play during and after children’s museum visits. Manuscript submitted for publication. University of Tampa.
Wieland, A., Berwanger, H., & Rosenfeld, F. (2025). Keep Breathing! Assessing cognitive control through EEG and heart rate correlates on a flanker task during mindful breathing. Manuscript submitted for publication. University of Tampa.

Certificates

2025-2028 Biosafety Principles & Practices
2025-2026 Redcap Training 
2024-2027 CITI Program Course: Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers
2024 Proficiency in Forensic DNA Instrumentation

Honors

2026-2027 University Graduate Fellowship, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
2020-2022 Moreau Honors Scholar, Stonehill College, Easton, MA
2020-2022 Recipient of Presidential Merit Scholarship