Dr. Duffau is a dynamic educator at BYU–Hawaii. She has been captivated by the unique spirit of the BYU–Hawaii campus and is excited to contribute to the beautiful community. Her mission is to foster critical thinking and global leadership skills among her students. With a rich background in neuroscience, psychology, and biology, she is dedicated to inspiring students on their intellectual journey.
Education
BS in Psychology, emphasis in Biopsychology, Université de Rennes 2, France, 2014
MS in Biology, Neuroscience, Université de Bordeaux, France, 2016
Ph.D. in Biology, Neuroscience, on memory consolidation processes, Université de Bordeaux, France, 2019
Teaching Portfolio:
General Psychology (PSYC111)
Cognitive Psychology (PSYC375)
Senior Seminar (PSYC490)
Research Mentorship (PSYC497R)
Introduction to Biology (BIOL100)
Introduction to Human Biology (BIOL101)
Critical Thinking (STDEV390)
Science Literacy (SCI210)
Academic Interests
Dr. Duffau loves to teach students about the brain and how their behavior, thoughts, emotions, etc., are closely tied to the ongoing biological processes. She believes understanding the brain is one of the main ways we can understand ourselves! You will often see how psychological and biological processes influence each other in her courses.
In addition to her standard courses, Dr. Duffau has played a pivotal role in developing a specialized course on critical thinking and scientific literacy. These courses equip students with the tools to think more deeply and critically, enhancing their analytical and intellectual skills.
Research and Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Dr. Duffau actively engages students in research projects that aim better to understand human functioning, particularly regarding cognitive processes. She is interested in understanding memory and cognitive processes, especially cognitive biases, and their influence on how people think and make decisions.
These projects offer a unique opportunity for students to gain research experience and explore the fascinating world of cognitive processes. By participating in research, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of memory and other cognitive processes, contributing to a deeper understanding of human thinking and how the environment influences it.